Bed-and-Breakfasts Find Support on Tampa, Fla., Council.

Byline: Laura Kinsler

Jun. 13--At a time when more travelers seek alternatives to big chain hotels, Tampa's choices are limited. But that could change.

Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena will host an open workshop at 10 a.m. Friday at city hall to discuss easing Tampa's zoning to allow for more bed-and-breakfast inns -- even on residential streets where they traditionally are prohibited.

"Every town that's sophisticated has bed-and-breakfasts," Saul-Sena said. "It's time Tampa had some."

The industry is growing in Florida, but Tampa lags other tourist destinations in the state, according to Lois Cleveland, executive director of Florida Bed & Breakfast Inns.

"I do get a lot of calls about Tampa. I send them all over to Pinellas County," Cleveland said. "These aren't pass- through travelers. They're not just looking for a room for the night. Bed-and- breakfast travelers tend to be very upscale, high-end customers who would enjoy all the cultural activities Tampa has to offer."

Open just four months, the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn in Ybor City is filling that niche, owner Jack Shiver said. But with 16 rooms, the converted former clinic really is more of a boutique hotel.