Regent Opens Doors to Community

Hoping to quell the criticism they've faced for the past several months, the board of directors of The Regent is taking steps to open its doors to the community.

The Regent at 6427 Watson Road in Riverview was constructed with nearly $7 million in tax money to provide Brandon with a community center.

However, critics say the facility is more often used for weddings and private parties than for the community use for which it was intended.

In response, the Brandon Community Advantage Center Board of Directors, which operates The Regent's ballroom and downstairs meeting room, called the Community Room, announced a series of programs designed to increase community involvement.

"There are good things happening at The Regent, specifcally pertaining directly with community opportunities," said Kristen Kerr, executive director of The Regent.

Starting Thursday, Nov. 3, The Regent will host "Reach Out to the Regent" community open houses, inviting residents into The Regent the first Thursday of each month from 9 to 10 a.m. for tours, coffee and cookies.

In a program called "For the Community, By the Community," The Regent will offer nonprofit groups a chance to rent the Community Room Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for four hours for $150 if the if The Regent provides the setup.

The Regent also will host a program it calls "Teach your Talent." The Community Room will be made available for free the last Tuesday of the month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to anyone who'd like to teach painting, dancing, music, cooking, chess or other activities.

Finally, starting in January, The Regent will host monthly art exhibits called "The First Reveal" in the Community Room. The exhibits will include an opening reception the first Wednesday of the month during which the public can tour the exhibit and meet the artist. Each exhibit will remain on display for 30 days and the public will have a chance to view it during normal business hours.

The Regent's website currently has a call for artists wishing to exhibit.

Kerr said The Regent will assist each group or individual with marketing all community events in the Community Room by including details on its Community Page, in its Community e-Newsletter and on its Facebook page.

To sign up to participate in any of the these events or for more information, contact Kerr at 813-571-2494 or kristen@experiencetheregent.com.

The upstairs ballroom will continue to be available to rent for private functions as well as nonprofit organizations at a reduced rate.

An open house for event planners Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event planners will be treated to an informal brunch and will have an opportunity to tour the facility.

Upcoming community events in the ballroom include the Riverview High School homecoming Oct. 21 and the Tampa Bay Senior Expo Nov. 16.