Dear Members

Recently I received an email questioning me about the costs of our events. Let me crystal clearly explain things to you.

We do not charge when we have home investigations in almost all cases.
With over 200 members, we can't exactly march 200 members through someones home.

We try to provide you with the best events possible - as planned.

St. AuGHOSTine we brought some of the best speakers and investigators from around the country. Paying for their costs and airfare. Speakers came from San Francisco, Colorado, Kentucky, Savannah, Gettysburg, New York and more. Get a grip, do you really think these quality speakers just go everywhere at enormous expense to themselves just to provide you with some program that you may or may not show up for ? Do you think these facilities will provide free space just because we are nice people ? Get real.

The Day of the Dead will include dinner and a hall rental. How do I make that happen free ?

The cost for Cassadaga will go to the home owner at their request and for a fee to the psychic conducting the séance. If you have ever been to Cassadaga, you would know that every psychic there expects to be paid.

As to the Myrtles, it includes a hotel room, additional staff to be on hand all night, and a required one million dollar liability policy . When I commit our group to that, I have to commit to paying for ALL of the rooms at the Plantation and those extra costs. In New Orleans, I also have to make major commitments. I will be expending over $5,000 in deposits alone in the next 40 days for a trip and investigation not to be held until late May.

The event next Saturday at the Hillsborough River State Park requires a $6 per car entrance fee to the State of Florida, the cost of the Fort event is $5 per person that goes to the park service and to the over 6 reenactors and additional park ranger that are staying late just so our group can have a special visit to Fort Foster.

If you cannot afford to attend an event, I understand. I can't afford to dine at Bern's either - so I don't go. But that sure doesn't mean that others can't or shouldn't or that Bern's doesn't serve a fine meal - because they sure do.

In St. AuGHOSTine we had the opportunity to experience the Telephone to the Dead belonging to Chris Moon, Publisher of Haunted Times magazine. While I am still unsure of what I thought about it, I can tell you, that I considered this to be one of the most amazing experiences I have had since doing investigations. We covered the cost to bring Chris from Colorado. It was well worth it. Father David Price of the Old Catholic Church actually spoke of about demonic positions and exorcisms - from experience. Mark Nesbitt is continually on televison shows talking about Gettysburg and Fredericksburg ghosts - he spoke at our event on investigating battlefield ghosts. Murray Silver shared a near death experience. Gloria Young shared her experiences investigating in San Francisco including Alcatraz. Stacey Jones from New York brought her expeiences as a cop. Ericka Boussaharne shared stories as a cold case psychic that many in attendance remembered. Dusty Smith provided local guidework as probably the most knowledgeable person on St. Augustine Cemeteries. All of these speakers are of national acclaim. Google their names with paranormal or ghost after it and find out. Have you bothered to spend anytime doing that so you might be a little knowledgeable ?

If you want to continually stomp into supposedly haunted homes with teams
that are disorganized and that think they know everything because they stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, then so be it.

Tampa Ghost Watchers has earned a national reputation for well organized events with knowledgeable speakers, quality planning and execution. When I commit to a location or event, I am the one on the hook. Your only commitment is to select to attend or not.

We have about 10 people at the Hillsborough River State Park - guides and costumed reenactors - that have planned part of their day next week for our group members. Is it too much to ask for you to tell me if you plan to attend or not ? And to pay the cost to enter a state park and pay the fee that the general public pays ? I think not.

I spend hours doing research, making phone calls, and sticking my financial neck out so that you have the opportunity to expand your knowledge or to have an experience. Have you researched any of our speakers or locations ? When you have been on an investigation with us, have you responded with an email as to your findings or experiences ?

I apologize for my lengthy dialogue, but I felt I needed to speak up. I am very proud of our past accomplishments and efforts - the coming years will only get better but only if you open your minds and spirits and participate when you can.

St. AuGHOSTine Wrap Up !

Thank you for everyone for all of your help and assistance over the weekend.

Special thanks to our speakers and guides: Erick Boussarhane, Murray Silver, Chris Moon, Dusty Smith, Stacey Jones, Mark Nesbitt, Father David Price, and Gloria Young. What a tremendous amount of experience and ideas were shared ! Thanks Dusty for a special event on Thursday evening.

Thank you to Steve Williams, Kevin Hull, Frank Perrick, and Claire Castillo for the guiding assistance to the group. Thanks to L&W Catering, the St. Augustine Boating Club, the Holiday Inn- Historic District, and to Meredith, Pam, and Sara at the St. Augustine Light House.

As always, we want to hear your comments and about your experiences. Please click on the comment box below this post.

Fort Foster Visit and Investigation - Sat. Oct 17

On the banks of the Hillsborough River is a reconstructed Ft. Foster, from the Seminole Indian Wars. The history and lifestyle is portrayed once a month through an educational program by enactors. Tampa Ghost Watchers will have a special members only visit on Saturday, October 17. The event will be preceeded by a bring your own covered dish dinner at 1 PM at the Hillsborough River State Park. Cost to attend is $6 entrance per car to the park and $5 per person for the two hour visit to the Fort and the program provided by the enactors. The reconstructed Fort is immediately adjacent to the river and the original location of Fort Foster. Bring a Dish, Drinks (no alcoholic beverages allowed in the park), comfortable shoes and look for our gather point. Cost to attend to be paid in cash at the event.

The enactors have had some most interesting experiences at the Fort and will have some great stories to tell.

PLEASE BE SURE TO RSVP - bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

The park is located 9 miles north of Tampa and six miles south of Zephyrhills on U.S. 301. Our group will visit the Fort at 4 PM. YOU MUST BE ON TIME !
Get more directions at http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortfoster/default.cfm

El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Friday, Oct 30 - 7 PM - 11 PM - American Legion Post 5, the Only American Legion Post with an adjacent Cemetery at 3810 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow...

Food, Drink, Day of the Dead celebration, and more !

The mostly Latin holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration usually occurs on the 2nd of November, but we will gather on the Friday before.
NO Costumes, but orange marigolds or sugar skulls or skull masks are welcome !
We will also have an altar to place the picture of anyone you wish remembered.
Get more info about El Día de los Muertos here.

NOTE: you must be at least 21 years of age with proper ID to attend this event.

Included will be a Mexican dinner, beer, wine and other beverages and El Día de los Muertos ceremony. $24.99 per person. Buy tickets here

Introduction to Ghost Hunting - Saturday, Sept. 26

Interested in learning more about Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal ?
Join the largest paranormal group in the US at a Special Seminar on the Introduction to Ghost Hunting to be held at one of Tampa's most historic buildings.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept 26, 10 AM - 1 PM

HOW MUCH:
$ $20 day of the event - cash only at the door.


Hosted by Tampa Ghost Watchers

Speakers:
Ronn Williams of Polk County Paranormal Team
Jim Brett of the Tampa Bay Paranormal Society
John Sullivan of Haunted Hunters
Bill Sharpe of Tampa Ghost Watchers

Topics:

• What are ghosts ?


• Where do I look ?


• How do you know if its haunted ?


• What are you looking for ?


• What equipment do you need ?


• Ok, I found something - What do I do now ?

WHERE: Friday Morning Musicale and Federated Clubs


Housed in a Gothic Mediterranean building, Friday Morning Musicale built in 1926 was opened as a community center and theatre to promote arts and dance in South Tampa. Location: 809 Horatio Street , Tampa Florida 33606
Directions here.

Want to get more serious about ghost hunting ?
Consider our three day conference in St. Augustine, October 2-4, 2009.
Get more info here.

See pictures from our previous trip to Andersonville Civil War Prison Camp and Cemetery here and Pat's Island Cemetery here.

Meeting Notice - Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sunday, August 23 - 6 PM at the Offices of the Tampa Marketing Company. 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #306, Tampa, FL
813-283-0760.
We will have a discussion on two recent investigations and a conference call from one of our St. AuGHOSTine speakers.
This meeting is open to members, guests, and anyone interested in the paranormal. We will also be seeking volunteers to assist in an ongoing investigation. No cost to attend this meeting.

BUT PLEASE RSVP to bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

Introduction to Ghost Hunting - August 1

YOU ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL DISCUSSION -
What: Introduction to Ghost Hunting
When: Saturday, August 1, 10 AM - NOON
Where: Offices of the Tampa Marketing Company
1906 N. Armenia Ave. #306, Tampa, FL
How much: FREE Event
Who can attend: Open to the public

PLEASE RSVP to bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

Call Bill Sharpe at 813-283-0760 for more information
or email bill@tampaghostwatchers.com
There is no cost to attend this two hour discussion designed to answer questions and to provide an introduction to paranormal investigations and more.

Topics to be discussed will include:
1. what to know before you go
2. what questions to ask
3. equipment you may require
4. what to do when you find something
5. this is very interesting, now what do I do ?

What do you need to bring for the seminar ? An open mind and a lot of curiosity.

Tampa Ghost Watchers, with over 200 members, is the Largest Paranormal Investigation group in Florida.
www.tampaghostwatchers.com

Ocala National Forest 2009

HERE ARE ALL THE DETAILS. If you have not signed up, please let me know ASAP ! So we can be ready for you. $25 per person to attend. Bill's cell phone number is 813-770-3902. BUT NO GUARANTEE THEY WILL WORK IN THE FOREST. OCALA NATIONAL FOREST - Register here

Saturday/Sunday - August 8 & 9.
The plan is to meet at SILVER GLEN SPRINGS at 2 PM in the Ocala National Forest. This is a beautiful swimming/picnicing location. It is also easy to find. It takes about 3 hours from our office. Directions are as follows: Take I-75 North to Ocala, In Ocala, take the Hwy 40 exit EAST, go approximately one hour to the middle of the Ocala National Forest, you will pass an area called Four Corners (there is a grocery store there) and continue on Hwy 40 past Juniper Springs to Hwy 19 (just a couple miles past Juniper Springs) turn NORTH on Hwy 19, several miles north you will find SILVER GLEN SPRINGS. We are to meet there by 2 PM on Saturday. And will depart from there at 4 PM. Get there early, or visit Juniper Springs if you are early. These are beautiful Florida treasures. Look for my yellow Smart Car in the parking lot.
Our camping site is about 30 minutes away from the Springs, in the middle of the forest. Remember this is primitive camping. You will be very close to your car, and a 45 minute hike or so to the former settlement. We will get situated and then hike in to the settlement before dark to get a real look at the area. Then we will return around 9 PM and again in the very early morning as the sun rises. We are ready to provide you with hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner, so not to worry. Bring your own drinks, and remember water. Remember this is primitive camping. Bring toilet paper, flashlights, tent, and whatever you may require. AND A CHAIR TO SIT IN. I expect us to be leaving the campsite by noon on Sunday. BUT stay to enjoy this spectacular forest. Map to Silver Glen Springs here http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/local-resources/images/maps/oca/canoe_silver.pdf Details of the Settlement here : The Yearling Trail Pats Island is one of the most popular historic attractions on the Ocala National Forest. The area was named after it's first postmaster Patrick Smith who settled there in the 1840's and the unique relationship of two ecosystems, long leaf pine and sand pine scrub. Much of the land bounded by the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers consists of the largest concentration of sand pine scrub in the world. Within this vast area there are oases of fertile soils and moisture that support growth of longleaf pine, wiregrass, turkey oak and other trees and plants not found in the surrounding arid scrub. Pioneers who settled in these areas called them islands because a sea of scrub surrounded them. The Reuben Long family came to the area around 1872 and individual family members applied for and were granted homestead acres that they worked and lived on for many years. Human habitation on the island peaked before the turn of the 20th century when about a dozen families sought to eke out a living on the 1400-acre island. A living was made from farming, running woods cattle and hogs, hunting, fishing, making moonshine whisky, and trading with boat travel on the St. Johns River. There is an ecological uniqueness of this of a longleaf pine island surrounded by scrub pine, which creates a single community isolated from the mainstream of central Florida life. The imposed remoteness contributed to a community essentially untouched by outside forces. The community had its own church, school, post office and self-appointed lay ministers. Life was hard on the island and after the big back-to-back freezes of 1894 and 1895 the population began to decline. Most of the settlers had sold or leased their homesteads before the Ocala National Forest was formed in 1908. Outside forces were slowly bringing life as it had been on the island to an end. In 1935 the island was abandoned by man and surrendered back to the elements after less than 100 years of human occupation. The natural beauty of the area and the colorful life style of these rugged people fascinated the author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. She stayed with the last two inhabitants of the island, Calvin and Mary Long in October 1933. During this and other visits she recorded many stories told by the Longs. Calvin's childhood story of nursing a deer from a fawn gave her the idea for the Pulitzer Prize winning novel "The Yearling". The book was made into a movie starring Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and Claude Jarman, Jr. and was filmed on location in the early 1940's. Today you too can visit Pat's Island via the Yearling Trail. The trailhead is located on SR 19 across from the Silver Glen Springs entrance. From there you can hike up to 6 miles visiting various sites of historical significance and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Pats Island is located in Juniper Prairie Wilderness where natural processes are the primary influences and human activity is limited. Forest Service management of Pat's Island preserves and protects its physical and biological characteristics and allows us to experience this treasure without intention to disturb or destroy natural processes. As wilderness, the island is closed to motorized equipment and bicycles. As you circle the island, stop and notice the sites where the residents once lived. When you once again see the sand pine scrub, you will be arriving back at the trailhead. Perhaps you may want to complete your trip with a visit to Silver Glen Springs. Snacking at a shaded picnic table or swimming in crystal clear 72 degrees year around water is a great way to top off the day. You may want to visit the Boils Trail at the glen where Jody (of The Yearling) built a "flutter mill" with palmetto leaf and sticks. It was here that he nodded off to sleep when he was supposed to be home attending his chores. The Lake George Trail from the Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area to Lake George also offers another hiking adventure.

Next Meeting - Sunday, July 12 - 7 PM

Members, Guests, and Interested Persons are welcome to attend this general meeting.
Sunday, July 12 - 7 PM
Tampa Marketing Company, 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #306, Tampa, FL 33607

Agenda:
Introduction of all in attendance.
Gettysburg Trip Summary Andersonville/ Americus Investigation - SummaryUpcoming Pat's Island/Ocala National Forest Camping TripSt. AuGHOSTine
Conference Call
Open Discussion
Meeting will end at approximately 9:30 PM
Refreshments will be served.

Andersonville/Americus a Great Trip we will do Again !

Thanks to everyone that participated in the Andersonville/Americus trip. I cannot thank Fred Sanchez and Kevin Frye with the National Park Service enough for the assistance and guidance. While I am sure we are all slowly digging though our pics and audio, I think we all stayed busy and saw and experienced some really great things in South Georgia. The Windsor Hotel was a beautiful place to stay and the historic charm of Americus had everyone's attention. We had time to visit the incredible Providence Canyon and spent several hours at historic Westville. The town was filled with relocated historic stuctures and surprised us all with the size and number of structures to visit. We briefly stopped at Andersonville Village to see the original train depot before going on to the National Park. The park closed at 5 and we began. We had five hours of almost complete, exclusive access to the cemetery, prison, and headquarters area. While it started as a very hot Georgia day, it gradually cooled off as we investigated in small groups various locations in the park. We cannot thank the Andersonville National Park enough for their time and permissions to experience such a true national historic landmark. To see where over 33,000 prisoners were kept and over 13,000 had died was an emotional experience. We had approximately 6 different small groups of investigators scattered throughout.

Sunday we visited the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Americus before proceeding on to Plains, Georgia for a visit to the home town of Jimmy Carter. A visit to his boyhood home, school, and family gravesite was followed by some fresh peanut butter ice cream before the long trip home. It was great to see Steve and Becky from Memphis that made the long drive down to participate.

My worst fears in organizing the trip was the weather and trying to keep everyone not lost. The weather was very hot - 110 heat factor, but dry. We lost one person beginning on Friday night, she never checked in with me and decided later on Saturday to go home, she is fine. Two people did get lost, but they figured it out and found us again. The biggest problem was when two participants decided to get into a big argument in the hotel late on Saturday night. This was not their first time doing this and I had warned them previously. They added great stress to everyone and ruined one participant's trip entirely - as well as their own. I have insisted they NEVER attend any of our events again.

Overall however, the incredible story of Andersonville with the generous access allowed by Fred Sanchez and the wealth of information provided by Kevin Frye made for one of the best trips Tampa Ghost Watchers has ever had. Thanks to everyone that attended and to those that helped along the way in making it a success. We encourage and welcome your comments. You can see my unedited pictures here.

Don't forget, our next meeting will be Sunday, July 12, 7 PM

at our offices at 1906 N. Armenia Avenue in Tampa -

PLEASE NOTE: we have moved to the third floor, we are now in #306. We have a conference all planned, will have summaries of our trips to Gettysburg and Andersonville and more.

Andersonville/Americus REVISED SCHEDULE

NOTE: We still have space for more participants on this trip, but email bill@tampaghostwatchers.com ASAP to be able to participate. I feel this may be our most exciting trip ever due to our access to facilities and due to the obscurity of the location.

Camp Sumter and Andersonville National Park closes to the public at 5 PM, Tampa Ghost Watchers will have exclusive access to the park from closing until 10 PM on Saturday night ! We will be accompanied by a Park official and noted volunteer historian Kevin Frye.

If you are looking for or have space for another person to ride with you or if you are looking to share a room, let me know asap. One lady is looking for a room share now. This is a good 5 hour drive from Tampa. PLEASE WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES, DRESS FOR THE SUMMER HEAT, AND BRING YOUR OWN COOLER WITH PLENTY OF DRINKS ! (DO NOT WEAR SANDALS WHILE AT CAMP SUMTER) We will have additional drinks for you, but it gets very hot and dry in south Georgia in late June.

Friday, June 26 - Late Night Meeting as you arrive in Floyd's Pub in the Windsor Hotel. We will all be arriving at different times so it will be a late and casual get together as we arrive.The Windsor is said to be haunted on the second and third floors. Ghosts of a little girl and former housekeeper are thought to roam the hotel. Both were pushed down the elevator shaft in the early 1900's. Windsor-americus.com
Late Night - EVP investigation of the Windsor Hotel. Andersonville background story.Saturday,

June 27 - 8 AM Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for hotel guests
9 AM - Visit to the Global Village and Discovery Center. Center for Habitat for Humanity /www.habitat.org
11AM - Visit to Providence Canyon (admission included)
Noon - 3 PM Historic Westville - pioneer town from the 1800's. Visions of pioneer farmers and Civil War veterans have been reportedly seen here Westville.org - Admission included - Lunch at the Kiser House Restaurant (on your own)
3 PM - Visit to Andersonville Village including Pioneer Farm - Admission Included
5 PM - 10 PM - Andersonville National Park Visit/ Investigation - EXCLUSIVE NIGHT VISIT FOR TAMPA GHOST WATCHERS ONLY ! (Box snack and drinks provided)Special Presentation by historic researcher Kevin Frye.Reports of tragic feelings reaching to you have been reported. Of 45,000 Union soldiers imprisoned at Camp Sumter, almost 13,000 died, mostly of starvation. More info at www.andersonvillegeorgia.com

Sunday, June 28 - 8 AM - Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for hotel guests - Hotel Checkout
9:00 AM - Visit to the Oak Gove Cemetey in Americus. Opened in 1856, the Oak Grove Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Georgia's historic figures, from state chief justices and an 1865 candidate for governor to soldiers from the Native American, Mexican and Civil wars. http://www.georgiatrust.com/
11 AM - Visit to Plains, Georgia. Home town of former President Jimmy Carter.

Depart for home as you wishSchedule and events subject to change

Tarpon Springs Investigation Report

Over 40 of us visited the Zone Lounge in Tarpon Springs for a very thoughtful discussion on paranormal communication last night. Bruce Moen helped members reach to their inner selves when seeking spiritual contact. For a four hour event the time seemed to fly by. We welcome your comments from the event below.

St. AuGHOSTine will be held in October

We are putting together one of the most informative paranormal conferences in Florida history with speakers from California, New York, Colorado, Kentucky, and more !

We will have access to the famous St. Augustine Lighthouse for four seperate groups to investigate.

Get all the details at http://www.staughostine.com/

Gettysburg Update #3

Gettysburg Update #2

We have arrived back in Tampa with blisters on our feet.
Sunday we visited the Battlefield during the late evening, taking pictures and evps within 300 feet of where the battle was fought and where President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. Was quite a feeling of history. We felt several presences during the visit, watch for more stories and pics to come. The afternoon was spent at a wine tasting overlooking the battlefields.

Monday we travelled to Point Lookout on the Southern Maryland Coast. This was the location of the largest Union Prison Camp. The lighthouse, Fort Lincoln, and the prison camp are known to have activity. Unfortunately, we were not able to enter the lighthouse, but the camp and fort area were most interesting.

Andersonville/Americus June 26-28

Tampa Ghost Watchers will visit the Historic (and haunted) Windsor Hotel in Americus, Georgia
(Americus is just 30 minutes west of I-75, and approximately 5 hours north of Tampa)

This weekend is near the longest day of the year. The sun will not set until almost 9 PM.

REGISTER HERE


ANDERSONVILLE/AMERICUS REVISED SCHEDULE

If you are looking for or have space for another person to ride with you or if you are looking to share a room, let me know asap. One lady is looking for a room share now. This is a good 5 hour drive from Tampa.

Friday, June 26 - Late Night Meeting in Floyd’s Pub in the Windsor Hotel. The Windsor is said to be haunted on the second and third floors. (We currently have all the rooms on those floors reserved) Ghosts of a little girl and former housekeeper are thought to roam the hotel. Both were pushed down the elevator shaft in the early 1900’s. Windsor-americus.com

Saturday, June 27 -
8 AM Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for hotel guests

9 AM - Visit to the Global Village and Discovery Center. Center for Habitat for Humanity /www.habitat.org

11AM - Visit to Providence Canyon (admission included)

Noon - 3 PM Historic Westville - pioneer town from the 1800’s. Visions of pioneer farmers and Civil War veterans have been reportedly seen hereWestville.org - Admission included - Lunch at the Kiser House Restaurant (on your own)

3 PM - Visit to Andersonville Village including Pioneer Farm - Admission Included

5 PM - 10 PM - Andersonville National Park Visit/ Investigation - EXCLUSIVE NIGHT VISIT FOR US ONLY ! (Box snack and drinks provided)Special Presentation by historic researcher Kevin Frye.Reports of tragic feelings reaching to you have been reported. Of 45,000 Union soldiers imprisoned at Camp Sumter, almost 13,000 died, mostly of starvation. More info at www.andersonvillegeorgia.com

Sunday, June 28
8 AM - Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for hotel guests

9:30 AM - Visit to the Oak Gove Cemetey in Americus. Opened in 1856, the Oak Grove Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Georgia’s historic figures, from state chief justices and an 1865 candidate for governor to soldiers from the Native American, Mexican and Civil wars. www.georgiatrust.com

11 AM - Visit to Plains, Georgia. Home town of former President Jimmy Carter.

Depart for home as you wishSchedule and events subject to change


ROOM INFORMATION: Contact the Windsor Hotel directly for rooms at 229 – 924-1555 for reservations.
Remember to mention Tampa Ghost Watchers – Ghost Seminars to get the special rate of $76.95 for a double, add $10 per person each additional.

Cost per person
$ 99

Register online HERE.

More info:
bill@tampaghostwatchers.com
813-770-3902

More St. AuGHOSTine Details

We have a new confirmed speaker for our St. AuGHOSTine event in October.
Murray Silver has been called Savannah's Most Haunted Man and has visited us a few times before. He has visited us before and has always been a very popular speaker.

Watch for more details soon including an exciting location as well.
This event will sell out very soon. Get more info and register here.

Andersonville - Late June

Thanks for the great response ! We may be having a slight schedule change announced shortly due to a great opportunity for a Saturday night investigation while there. Watch for more details in the coming week - but this will be a very exciting change.

We are near sold out on this trip, so if you plan to attend or want more information please let me know asap. Apparently our website is currently down, will resolve when we get back to Tampa on Monday.

Tarpon Springs 2

Sunday, June 14, we will be having a more in depth visit to the Zone in Tarpon Springs with Bruce Moen and Caryl Dennis. The visit will include a much more intensive and informative workshop than our usual effort. The cost is $20 per person to be paid at the door, but we need to know you are coming if you have not RSVP'd so far. This event is open to anyone that would like to participate and will start at 6:30 pm and last for several hours.

Gettysburg Update #1

We are about to start day 3 of our trip.
We arrived on time and got everyone together for a super visit to the Edgar Allan Poe home and grave. Before we left Baltimore we also had time to overlook the harbor from Ft. McHenry where Francis Scott Key wrote the words to the Star Spangled Banner. Friday night we spent on the Gettysburg College campus and saw the location of the Blue Boy. As legend goes, he escaped from a life of abuse at the nearby orphanage to be taken in at a girls dorm on campus. In a search for him in the cold of the winter, he hung onto a third floor window ledge for an extended period of time. He was never found, nor did any indication exist that he fell. However, he does decide to return every now and then.

We spent Saturday on a two hour Battlefield bus tour that was most informative. Over 50,000 men died in the 3 days of the battle. One location was 10,000 killed in just over 2 hours. We later returned to many of the battle areas for evp research and for lots more picture taking.

Two hours was spend in the afternoon with Gettysburg historian Mark Nesbitt. This time was most precious and informative. We were joined at Mark's home by psychic medium Patty Wilson. This was a definite highlight of the trip.

Last night we spent midnight at the Jennie Wade house, the only civilian killed in the battle. We could see where the errant bullet entered the house and where she was standing in the kitchen when she was hit. This was a very good visit, however, it was followed by a visit with a medium that was excessively disappointing.

Our lodging at the Farnsworth Inn has been exceptional. Several of us reported some type of activity after the first night, so far we have not tagged up to compare last night's notes.

Today will be a little more relaxed as we enjoy the town and a wine tasting later today. We are going to try to get a group picture, but with 13 of us, that can be difficult.

Our Memorial Trip Next Year will be to New Orleans, want to come with us ?

Recent events and postings

Hi Bill. I must say that the recent events you planned sound like they would have been fun. However, after reading through the blog I can see that the petty bickering and childish behavior still have a strong presence. It is unfortunate because I can honestly say that I enjoyed participating in the events and meetings until the end of 2007 when all of this started (which is why I have not attending anything in almost two years). Hopefully people will realize that everyone needs to grow the heck up and stop being so petty then the old members would return. I know that you put a great deal of effort into the planning but you can't make everyone happy. Seriously people.....let's grow up and be adults. It is one thing to have an opinion and not everyone has to agree with that opinion but stop the petty bickering and back stabbing already. Can't you people see that by doing this it only drives members away and creates a hostile environment!?!?!?!?! This group is about ghost watching. If you aren't happy join another group or keep your snide remarks to yourself. Don't ruin it because you can't play well with others. You should all be greatful that Bill takes the time to put things together. Onyx (Helen)

Tarpon Springs Investigation #1

Tarpon Springs - Sunday, May 17

Tarpon Springs is a beautiful area with a Greek heritage that is evident at the very nearby Sponge Docks. The Docks have plenty of unique gift shops, restaurants and bakeries.
If you want to arrive earlier, I will be at
Snookers Grill at 606 N. Pinellas Avenue in Tarpon Springs at 6 PM.
http://www.snookersgrill.com/

The investigation will be at the Zone Lounge building at 121 E. Tarpon Avenue, Downtown Tarpon Springs. Meet at the door to the lounge at 7:45 PM. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE.

Sunday, May 17 from 8 PM as we investigate a building in downtown Tarpon Springs built in 1894. The building was used as a bar, office, brothel, and more over the years. Reports of apparitions, voices, and more. There will be NO Cost to attend this investigation, however, this is exclusively for paid members of Tampa Ghost Watchers ! If you are not yet a paid member you can still join here. Be sure to tell me what size t-shirt you require.

YOU CAN JOIN TAMPA GHOST WATCHERS here.


In planning this investigation I have had discussions with author and psychic Caryl Dennis. (You can find out more about her here) We have planned the Tarpon Springs investigation in TWO Parts. (Date for second part will be Sunday, June 14 from 6:30 - 10 PM) The second visit will feature a spiritual workshop and investigaton involving Caryl and International speaker Bruce Moen. (More info about him here. ) There is not a cost to attend the event on May 17 if you are a paid member, but there will be a cost of $20 to attend the June 14 event. More details to follow.

The investigation will be at the Zone Lounge building at 121 E. Tarpon Avenue, Downtown Tarpon Springs. Meet at the door to the lounge by 8 PM.

Call me only if you have a real problem. 813-770-3902 cell.

American Victory Ship

Thanks to everyone that participated in the American Victory Ship investigation. There were a number of experiences reported and we hope you will share them here.
A couple of participants indicated they were "disappointed" in not having had an experience. While most were very impressed and some plan to attend the special ship event this weekend. An investigation at a large location usually means everyone wanders the area for awhile to see where they feel something and then return to conduct a more thorough investigation with cameras, voice recorders, concentration, or more.
This isn't the bird show at Busch Gardens at 1:15 and 3:15. You have to work at this - and mostly, be patient and very attentive.

Let's Make this Clear

My job is to provide you with as much opportunity to have a paranormal experience as possible. Everyone has a different belief as to what a ghost is and as to what the experience is.

With my experiences I have my opinions. With your experiences, you have yours.

In the words shared by my good friend Dusty Smith with the Daytona Beach Paranormal Reserch Group, there is no right or wrong.

I don't like it when passersby start saying "boo" and other things while we are investigating. And I don't like it when I think you are too busy looking at a blinking meter that you don't really know what it means than being aware of the actual activity around you. I want you to have experiences that you remember for the rest of your life and I will work hard to put you in that situation with the right attiude and knowledge to do just that - but only if you let me instead of walking in with total preconcieved notions generated from a tv show. It is not an easy job trying to keep so many people with so many diverse backgrounds and desires happy.

The previous writer's grumbles centered around a cemetery investigation on a hot day rather than an evening home investigation. The cemetery we visited has been written about in at least 4 different books because of screams heard, apparitions seen, and more. As I have asked before, do you want the opportunity of a paranormal experience or are you just trying to fill your social calendar ?

I am fortunate, I already have a busy social calendar.


At our recent visit to the Belleview Biltmore, several attendees went into states of fear and depression in one of the wings. Observing and sharing that experience will be continually with me as I remember paranormal investigations. I want to have and to share paranormal experiences that are bigger than the last, that is my simply defined but very complex task for Tampa Ghost Watchers.

Tarpon Springs Investigation

INVESTIGATION FOR PAID TAMPA GHOST WATCHERS MEMBERS ONLY !

Sunday, May 17 from 7 PM as we investigate a building in downtown Tarpon Springs built in 1894. The building was used as a bar, office, brothel, and more over the years. Reports of apparitions, voices, and more. There will be NO Cost to attend this investigation, however, this is exclusively for paid members of Tampa Ghost Watchers ! If you are not yet a paid member you can still join here. Be sure to tell me what size t-shirt you require.

RSVP BY SENDING ME AN EMAIL WITH YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS.
I will send you the exact address upon receipt of your RSVP.
The investigation will be from 8-10:30 PM. BUT some of us will be meeting nearby at Snookers Grill at 6:30 PM. Get directions to Snookers here.

In planning this investigation I have had discussions with author and psychic Caryl Dennis. (You can find out more about her here) We have planned the Tarpon Springs investigation in two parts. (Date for second part will be Sunday, June 14 from 6:30 - 10 PM) The second visit will feature a spiritual workshop and investigaton involving Caryl and International speaker Bruce Moen. (More info about him here. ) There is not a cost to attend the event on May 17 if you are a paid member, but there will be a cost of $20 to attend the June 14 event. More details to follow soon.

My Comments About Hans Holzer

With Sadness I report the death of the Greatest Ghost Hunter of All -

Hans Holzer.
(more about Dr. Holzer below)

With over 100 books to his credit, he investigated using spirit mediums with followup support using more scientific methods. Reading his first book when I was in high school is the basis for my involvement in paranormal investigations.

I have been frequently angered by investigators that have become totally reliant on "meters that go blink" for reasons they don't really know why instead of recognizing that we are seeking the remnants of a former real human spirit and that maybe a more spiritual approach is the most valid method of investigation offering a greater opportunity for personal experience. The "meters that go blink" have become the staple for tv ghost shows such as TAPS and Paranormal States. Jason, Grant, and others experiences pale in comparison to the worldwide investigations of Hans Holzer. He was best known for his investigations in Amityville NY.

In planning our upcoming Tarpon Springs investigation, on Sunday, May 17, I have had discussions with author and psychic Caryl Dennis. (You can find out more about her here) We have planned the Tarpons Springs investigation in two parts. (Date for second part to be announced, but tentatively Sunday, June 14.) The first on Sunday, May 17 is for our members exclusively to visit with the "meters that go blink" and then a followup with a spiritual workshop and investigaton also involving International speaker Bruce Moen. (More info about him here. ) My plan is simply to provide you with the opportunity to experience and learn for yourself what I feel is the real way to investigate paranormal activity rather than the hype generated by well produced tv shows provided for entertainment.

It is hard to take any supposed investigator seriously if they haven't read at least one of Hans Holzers books. He will be missed.

Bill

Hans Holzer Passes to the Other Side

Hans Holzer, whose investigations into the paranormal took him to haunted houses all over the world, most notably the Long Island house that inspired "The Amityville Horror," died Sunday at his home in Manhattan. He was 89.

The death was confirmed by his daughter Alexandra Holzer.

Mr. Holzer - who wrote more than 140 books on ghosts, the afterlife, witchcraft, extraterrestrial beings and other phenomena associated with the realm he called "the other side" - carried out his most famous investigation with the medium Ethel Johnson-Meyers in 1977. Together they roamed the house in Amityville in which a young man, Ronald DeFeo Jr., had murdered his parents and four siblings in 1974.

The house had become notorious after its next owners claimed to have been tormented by a series of spine-chilling noises and eerie visitations, set forth in the best-selling 1977 book "The Amityville Horror: A True Story," written by Jay Anson.

After Johnson-Meyers channeled the spirit of a Shinnecock Indian chief, who said that the house stood on an ancient Indian burial ground, Mr. Holzer took photographs of bullet holes from the 1974 murders in which mysterious halos appeared.

Mr. Holzer went on to write a nonfiction book about the house, "Murder in Amityville" (1979), which formed the basis for the 1982 film "Amityville II: The Possession"; he also wrote two novels, "The Amityville Curse" (1981) and "The Secret of Amityville" (1985).

Hans Holzer was born in Vienna, Austria, and developed an interest in the supernatural when his uncle Henry told him stories about ghosts and fairies. He studied archaeology, ancient history and numismatics at the University of Vienna but left Austria for New York with his family in 1938, just before the Nazi takeover.

After studying Japanese at Columbia University, Mr. Holzer indulged an infatuation with the theater in the 1950s. He wrote sketches for the short-lived revue "Safari!" and the book and music for "Hotel Excelsior," about a group of young Americans in Paris, which opened in Provincetown, Mass., and proceeded no farther. He also wrote theater reviews for the London Sporting Review.

He earned a master's degree in comparative religion and a doctorate in parapsychology at the London College of Applied Science. He went on to teach parapsychology at the New York Institute of Technology.

In 1962, he married the Countess Catherine Genevieve Buxhoeveden. The marriage ended in divorce. In addition to his daughter Alexandra, of Chester, N.Y., he is survived by another daughter, Nadine Widener of New York City, and five grandchildren.

In pursuit of ghosts, Mr. Holzer began investigating haunted houses and recording the testimony of subjects who believed that they had had paranormal experiences. This field research, usually conducted with a medium and a Polaroid camera, provided the material for dozens of books, beginning with "Ghost Hunter" (1963).

Mr. Holzer called himself "a scientific investigator of the paranormal."

From the San Francisco Chronicle

Investigation - Saturday, May 9

Tampa Ghost Watchers will be visiting the American Victory Ship on SATURDAY, May 9 from 7-10:30 PM for an investigation. The ship is located immediately behind the Florida Aquarium at Channelside in downtown Tampa.

This ship was launched in 1945 and has seen duty in the North Atlantic during World War II, the Viet Nam War, and the Korean conflict. In March 1953, the SS American Victory was assigned the grim task of retuning the bodies of 370 GIs who lost their lives in Korea. Get info about the ship here.

We will board the ship at exactly 7 PM. Our event will include a discussion on the history of the ship followed by an investigation until 10:30 PM. YOU MUST WEAR SOFT SOLE SHOES !!!!

SPACE IS LIMITED. Cost to attend is $25 per person. Sign up here.

Our Group

We had a great investigation at Myrtle Hill Memorial Gardens on Sunday. Almost 50 attended. It as a near perfect day and while it is only just over 24 hrs since our visit, several attendees have reported some interesting experiences that occurred. If you have some pictures or more to share, please click on the COMMENT link below and let us know what you thought of the event and about your experience.

Sunday, April 19 was the date of the visit. April 12 was Easter Sunday, on March 22 we had a FREE cook out at Phillippe Park, on March 13 over 40 attended an investigation of the Belleview Biltmore before they close for over two years. Since January you should have received over 20 emails from me and of course, this blog has been updated as required.

We have a group of 14 going to Gettysburg the end of May and have put together a trip to Andersonville/Camp Sumpter in South Georgia the end of June. (PLEASE SIGN UP ASAP, as we will have to release rooms at the haunted Windsor Hotel soon if not reserved - get details here) We also have a planned campout investigation to Pat's Island in the Ocala National Forest in early August. This was the location of a post office, small settlement, cemetery, and large sinkhole, also the Yearling Trail.

Our next event will be on the American Victory Ship in downtown Tampa on Saturday, May 9 from 7-11 PM.

With all of this going on I received this email yesterday afternoon:
Hi Bill. I know you are busy but what is happening with the club. Several of us are very dissapointed. There never seems to be any investigations. I myself have only been to the Trelis Clinic. There has to be more to it than that. Is no one contacting you for assisstance with activity? Please don't take it the wrong way. It's just that I expected something....(Name withheld)

The Tampa Chamber of Commerce charges over $350 per year to join, plus costs to attend their events. They have a full time staff of over 10 to organize their events. We charge $25 to join - once- and you get a t-shirt (the Chamber doesn't even give you a t-shirt)

Tampa Ghost Watchers is quite possibly the largest paranormal group in the US with almost 200 members now. We do our best to provide you with plenty of events of every type and cost. Thank you to everyone that helps to make our events successful and to keep us operating smoothly. But if you are expecting events 7 days a week/24hours a day you can expect poorly organized events, plenty of repeats, and the need for a lot more money to be spent on a full time staff. The experience of paranormal investigations can be exciting, BUT if ghost hunting represents your entire social and event calendar, then maybe you need to get some help.

Investigation - Sunday, April 19

Cemetary Investigation at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park
Sunday, April 19
4 PM - Dusk


Location: Corner of Martin Luther King and N. 50th Street in Tampa.

Founded in 1917 on over 100 acres this beautiful location has been known to have generated calls to Tampa Police of screams and moans, with nothing ever found. Stories of full body apparitions at various mausoleums have been reported as well.

Directions: On I-4, just East of Ybor City, take the 50th Street/Columbus exit North approximately one mile. Look for the Cemetary entrance on the left just past the Martin Luther King intersection. You will see a very large American flag on the right just past the cemetary entrance.

Bring any equipment you may require.
Bring comfortable shoes and water or beverages as there are no facilities nearby.

PLEASE NOTE: Follow my directions clearly, there are 3 Cemetaries adjacent to each other at this location. Look for my bright yellow Smart Car on the left as you enter the gates. Do NOT drive on the grass.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT !
NO Cost to attend. Members, Guests, and spirits invited.

IF YOU ARE A NEW MEMBER OR I OWE YOU A T-SHIRT AND YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR SHIRT SIZED AND I WILL BRING IT TO MYRTLE HILL.

PLEASE RSVP by sending an email to bill@tampaghostwatchers.com

Picnic Meeting - Sunday, March 22

OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, March 22 at 2 PM

When: Sunday, March 22 - 2-6 PM

Where: Shelter #6 - Philippe Park, Safety Harbor

This will be an opportunity to socialize and share stories and experiences. AND a chance to meet our members if you have never been to one of our previous meetings or events.

Philippe Park is also known for its ceremonial mound and grave of Count Philippe. AND just to keep you guessing, while the grave of the Count is marked - he isn't there. But he is buried somewhere nearby.
Bring a covered dish to share. We will provide paper cups, plates, silverware and hamburgers/hotdogs.

PLEASE RSVP AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BRINGING BY POSTING ON THE COMMENTS OF THIS BLOG SO WE CAN BALANCE THE ITEMS SERVED.

NO Cost to attend, but contributions accepted. Members, Guests, and spirits invited.

Get directions to the park here.

Trelles Recordings

Eileen and I took recordings at the Trelles. If anyone would like me to email them to them so they can analyze them, please email me at Pandooora@aol.com. Put EVP in the subject line so I don't delete your email.
I had a good time at the Trelles and enjoyed working with all of you!!!
Anna Marie

Trelles Clinic 02/15/09

Ghost of the Trellis Clinic

This photo was taken at the Trellis Clinic on Feb. 15th, during our group investigation. Ghost or merely matrixing? The temperature in the room dropped tremendously while we attempted to communicate using dowsing rods with a detected energy spot.Two members with sensitive abilities were communicating with the energy of a male, who advised he worked at the clinic.
Also notice that the image spans the area across the door opening, in a solid form, and would not have appeared as it does if it were a reflection.

One Sentence Answers Requested

Why are you interested in ghosts and paranormal investigations ? (Please keep it to one sentence by clicking on the comments link below)

Upcoming Events

FIRST, Our Next Investigation will be on Sunday, Feb 15 as we return to the Trelles Clinic in Ybor. Since our last visit national tv crews have been in as well. The work on transitioning the former clinic to a spa facility is moving along rapidly, so we need to visit while we can. We will meet at Street Car Charlies again at 6 PM for food and drink before proceeding to the Clinic at 7 PM. This time we will split the group into two groups, one experienced and one of rookies. So, while our investigations are usually limited just to members, this one will be open to any newcomers as well. Street Car Charlies is immediately across the streetcar tracks from the Trelles Clinic at 1811 N. 15th Street in Ybor. There is NO cost to attend this event and everyone is welcome.

SECOND, the Tampa Ghost Watchers at the Biltmore is almost sold out for Friday the 13 in March. If you said you were coming, but have not paid for the event, we will have to assume you are NOT planning to attend. This hotel will be closed for over two years starting in late May. I still have recieved no reply from anyone at Tapscon, but I do not think their event will be held. Most of the hotel staff is being layed off in April according to press releases. If anyone knows different about Tapscon, please let me know. Please sign up asap. I had to sign a SIX page contract with the hotel over this event. Sign up at
http://ghostseminars.com/seminars.html. If you are not signed up with us, do not show up at the hotel planning to attend as we will cannot allow you to participate. Cost is $89 per person and includes reception, dinner, program, and investigation.


THIRD, Tampa Ghost Watchers Do Gettysburg. Memorial Day Weekend. The Air Tran flights from Tampa have been changed to depart earlier. That is good. If you have tickets, you are set, but keep watching in case they change times again. I still have one room available. We will be visiting the Point Lookout Lighthouse, the Edgar Allan Poe House and Grave, and Ft. McHenry. Get details about the lighthouse at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/naturalresource/fall2001/ghosts.html

Get more info at www.Ghostseminars.com

Events Schedule

WOW ! What a great meeting.
Thanks to everyone that attended our last meeting and Thanks to author, ghosthunter Mark Nesbitt for a great conference call. This was one of our largest meetings ever.

Mark Your Calendar:
1. Sunday, Feb 15 - 6 PM - Our Next meeting date. Exact location to be announced, but we may have an investigation.

2. THE LAST FRIDAY THE 13th at the Belleview Biltmore.
Friday, March 13 - This classic hotel is scheduled to close for several years of renovation in late May. We will have a group dinner, special program, and then a late night investigation tour by Emilio. This will not be open to the public, only to our group. Cost $89 per person including program, dinner, investigation, and breakfast buffet. We have a special room rate of $129 for the night. We have limited space due to the special nature of the investigation. (Friday is not a usual ghost tour night, so we should have a great time without the crowds and no one has conducted more tours of the Biltmore than Emilio) Email bill@tampagold.com to reserve your spot.

3. Sunday, March 8 - Meeting/Investigation - more details soon.

Event Survey

As we plan for 2009, please take a moment and let me know what type of events you want to see Tampa Ghost Watchers conduct in 2009.

PLEASE PROVIDE AS MUCH COMMENT AS TO WHY AND WHY NOT AS YOU WISH. This is very helpful.

1. Do you want more events just in the immediate Tampa area ?
2. Do you want more events that are program oriented with speakers and guests ?
3. Do you want weekend events within a reasonable drive of Tampa ? (probably requiring a two night hotel stay)

Please rate the following only if you attended: (1 being great and 5 it really sucked)

a. Cedar Key trip
b. Ocala Forest Camping
c. St. AuGHOSTine
d. Ybor Paranormal Conference
e. Niagara Falls
f. Gregorian Chant
g. Phillippee Park Gathering
h. Cassadaga with Memphis Ghosts
i. TapsCon at the Belleview Biltmore
j. Sunset Ceremony at RedHawk Ranch
l. Others

Any other paranormal events that you attended that you think is worth mentioning, and why ?

Any other paranormal events that you think we should consider having, and why ?

We know you are not all alike. Budgets are different, time constraints exist, interests are different, and plenty more differences.
We probably have the broadest range of any paranormal group in the country and we plan to stay that way. BUT your comments, suggestions, and criticisms are extremely important to us and this is the place to do it.

PLEASE CLICK ON COMMENTS BELOW AND POST YOUR RESPONSES. We really want interaction between each of you on our plan. I received two responses so far and have posted them below.

Next Meeting - Sunday, Jan 25

HOPE EVERY ONE IS HAVING A GREAT NEW YEAR !

Our Next Meeting of the Tampa Ghost Watchers will be Sunday, Jan. 25, 6 PM at the offices of the Tampa Marketing Company. 1906 N. Armenia Ave. #207.
Please call me if the door is locked at 813-770-3902 cell.

We will have a conference call with one of the Gettysburg Ghost Investigators, and we will layout our schedule of meetings and events for 2009.

Members, Guests, Visitors are all welcome to attend. NO Cost to attend.