Tap Con

Tap-con was disorganized but we knew it was going to be before we went. There were good friends, great speakers and it was a wonderful experience to meet 500 other paranormal investigators. It was great hearing all their experiences and listening to their different theories. We traded business cards like a game of "Go Fish", and I hope to see those faces again at our events. It was great having such a sharing and learning experience with fellow Tampa Ghost Watcher members at my side. I would like to thank, Debbie, Angela, Cathy, Mike, Linda, Jamie, Bill, Claire, Jose, Rosemary, Nancy for sharing the experience and making it more wonderful for me.
We had some fun experiences with Robert the doll. I forgot to ask permission to do EVPs with him and to my dismay that whole section of tape was blank. I wont forget again! My lesson in manners I guess. Debbie had a playful experience with something messing with her recorders. Her digital recorder was missing upon arrival, returned to the top of her purse that last day we were there. When we went to Bills room for a small get together, Debbie's microphone on her analog recorder was destroyed, pulled off the wire completely. We searched the room to find no sign of even the smallest piece of it laying around. On another occation we searched the room for Debbie's glasses, walking in and out of the room to get ice I was surprised to find her glasses neatly set out side our door upon my return, where I would have to have step on them to enter and exit the room. Perhaps it was a playful spirt, perhaps it was menopause, but we enjoyed the experiance. Linda and I both experience being physically touched by something the basement. We were not in the same group which made it more significant that it was in the same area. I was sad that Denise couldn't make it due to Tom's illness. Sending Denise and Tom big Huggs and prayers. Get well soon WE NEED YOU BACK!!!
I agree that it was poorly run by Tapcon but I have to say that the people around us made it all worth the cost. The actual Taps group did everything possible to make up for the mess that Tapcon made out of their reputation. Would I do it again? No! I think I would rather spend my money on some of the Tampa Ghost Watcher excursions which have the same people experiences but don't have the chaos and confusion brought about by poor management. As for the Biltmore (White Queen of the Gulf) she holds my heart and if I had to sleep in a toilet I would and will return.
P.S. I went to experience the spirits, not to stay in a luxury hotel. I have to say our room was clean and nice, what we saw of it. I understand the hotel was over booked and probably rented rooms not usually in service. But I think overall the hotel staff went above and beyond to keep things together and shouldn't be condemned for one maid that didn't do her job. The Biltmore is scheduled for a complete renovation. Probably because its a very old building with many structural problems. But old buildings are where ghosts tend to hang out and I would have slept in the Leakey cellar if they would have let me.

TAPSCON

I will be publishing an article about Tapscon soon. Will provide a link here when it is posted.

Taps CON

Any comments about Taps CON? I will simply just say that it could have been better organized and my room had to be the nastiest room in the entire hotel. Rusty water, pubic hair all over the bathroom floot, mold in the bathroom, 2 inch gap in the window sill allowing mosquitoes in at night, lipstick on 3 or the 4 cups. This did not make a good impression. Actually, we checked out Saturday morning. While the history might be nice and the downstairs is nice, my room seriously lacked attention. Old is one thing....dirty is completely unacceptable!!!!!!!!! I can definately say I will NEVER stay at the Biltmore again and won't recommend it to anyone. We spoke with about 15 other people who had the same complaint so it was obviously just not us. Oh, I forgot to mention the exposed wires and mold on the ceiling in the corridor just down from us. Yes, I took photos of this in case someone doubted me. I just wanted to share my experience.

GHOSTLY COOKOUT - Sunday, July 13

WOW WHAT A RESPONSE !
We have about 40 people planning to attend.

Our current needs are for some more food items.
Due to response, have change our start time to 4 PM. Park Closes at Dark.

When: Sunday, July 13 from 4 PM - Sunset.

Where: Phillippe Park in Safety Harbor.

How Much: FREE Event

More details here soon.

Get park directions here
List of people and planned items are here:
AnnaMarie - Chocolate cake, nustard and cups
Susan S and Bob -
Ron @ Sharon - plates & silverware
Julie F and Guest -
Jeanne B - Food item
Sam & Deb G - macaroni salad and deviled eggs
Charley and Mary B. Cups, Napkins and utensils
Nancy H and 3 guests - plates , napkins and utensils
Terri P - food item
Pras and 2 guests - maybe
Rick and Denise - -
Frank andDebbie - -
Luann - maybe
Mike and Linda - Beans and Brownies
Claire and Ramon - Chips and dips
Christi P. -
Debbie - hashbrown casserole
Helen B and guest- food item
Al and Patricia -
Ronn and Sharon -
Check S. and Guest
Lee and Susie and Diana -
Kathy F - Drinks
Angela and Cathy - potato salad and buffalo wings
Bill - Hamburgers and Brats

PLEASE RSVP FOR THE COOKOUT BY POSTING YOUR COMMENT BELOW.

Cedar Key Night Shot Video Camera

I have a DVD from the bar at Cedar Key. If anyone is interested in watching 1 to 2 hours of still shot video camera for experience. After about 20 minutes your eyes start to burn. This will give you a little insite into what Steve on Taps must go through. Let me know I will bring the DVD with me to the cook out. I wont say if there is anything found on the tape cause I don't want to ruin the end of the movie for you... Just kidding. Let me know.
Anna Marie
Pandooora@aol.com

July 2nd Investigation Invitation

When: Wed, July 2, 11 PM - 1 AM
Where: Dave's Aqua Lounge
10820 Gandy Blvd. - St. Petersburg
(This is located on the Causeway, about 1/2 mile EAST of 4th St. N.)
How Much: No Cost to attend. (However, I am sure if you spent a dollar at Dave's he would appreciate it)

RSVP to investigation leader Al Dubiel at 727-656-1124 or email him at dubielstrains@tampabay.rr.com with your plans to attend and any equipment you plan to bring.
Please wear soft sole shoes to keep down any noise.
PLEASE BE ON TIME !

Team sign ups

It seems a lot of people are afraid they will be left behind. No one who wants to participate will be left behind. As mentioned at the meetings and Cedar Key if you would like to be added to an investigation team please email me at Pandooora@aol.com .
Investigations have not started yet and we are just getting things set up so relax. Remember when volunteering for a team. You must be a paid member. You must keep in contact with your team leader. You should stay as active in Tampa Ghost Watchers activities as possible.
These investigations are in private homes. Team can be changed without notice for undisclosed reasons. They must be handled professionally. If you volunteer be ready to do the work. You must review all your evidence and get back to the team leader in a timely manor. Should you find that investigations take too much of your time, you can resign from a team and be placed back on one in a later date.
Thank You
Anna Marie