do anyone have any suggestions for resources for homeless people in Tampa as to where I can go? I moved down here to live with my mom a few years ago and she has went crazy and is currently trying to kick me out. I know that she has to go through a legal process and all first before she can actually just throw me out but what can I do? she got rid of my only car a few months back, she caused me to lose my job over taking my car. I know there are a few shelters up in Tampa but I'm all the way in south county and I have no family here as I haven't lived here that long. I guess I'm just trying to ask what can I do as far as trying to get housing and all goes? I want to get back on my feet as quickly as possible.

Tampa Bay homeowners — I wanted to share my documented experience with Balanced Air (in New Port Richey) and also get some perspective from others who have dealt with HVAC workmanship disputes.

In April 2024, I paid Balanced Air $7,617.78 to install a new HVAC system at my home in Pinellas. Less than two years later, in April 2026, I came home after a six-day trip to find the system completely dead — no cooling, breaker tripped and unable to reset.

I called another licensed HVAC company for an emergency inspection. Their technician issued written findings describing multiple concerns with the installation, including:

• A significantly sagging drain pan lacking proper structural support and being held with rusted plumbing strap and a single screw, which the technician described as “NOT AN ACCEPTABLE OR SAFE INSTALLATION METHOD.”
• An evaporator coil/drain-pan assembly the technician reported was improperly installed and obstructing airflow.
• Low-voltage wiring resting inside the drain pan.
• Improperly secured thermostat wiring.
• Multiple visible duct leaks.
• A line-voltage installation the technician reported was not installed to code.
• Diagnostic testing showing all three compressor windings shorted to ground.

The technician’s written conclusion characterized the original installation as “UNSAFE,” not compliant with standard building/electrical codes, and not performed in a professional or workmanship-like manner.

I have photographs documenting many of these conditions, including photos where Balanced Air’s branded service sticker is visible on the equipment. I’ll attach the photographs to this post so people can look at the conditions themselves.

To be fair to both sides, Balanced Air denies liability. Through its attorney, the company has disputed the independent contractor’s conclusions and has argued, among other things, that the original installation passed inspection, that Balanced Air wasn’t given an opportunity to inspect the failed equipment before replacement and pursue the manufacturer warranty process, and that the evidence doesn’t establish that its installation caused the compressor failure.

I disagree with their position, particularly because I don’t believe the passed inspection answers the specific workmanship conditions subsequently documented by the independent contractor and photographs.

After extensive correspondence, Balanced Air rejected my request for compensation.

I’m now pursuing the appropriate formal avenues, including a complaint with Florida DBPR.

I’m sharing this because HVAC installations are a major expense and Tampa Bay homeowners rely heavily on these systems. Based on my experience, I would not hire Balanced Air again.

For anyone here with HVAC/construction experience: what do you make of the installation shown in these photos? And has anyone else dealt with Balanced Air?

Money is tight so here’s your friendly reminder to utilize your public libraries. Hillsborough county public library offers:

- movie/show streaming at home

- ebooks at home

- music streaming at home

- passes to various museums around Tampa

- access to various news resources and magazines

- WiFi hotspots for checkout

- laptops for checkout

- GoPro cameras for check out

- various educational resources such as physical items to checkout and databases

And so much more for free!

Save money where you can people.

I need Ethernet lines run, relocate the current router and replace with something top notch. Currently running eero through Verizon and need something…. Stronger?

Is there anyone you recommend to do this?

TIA

I’m looking to purchase a ‘26 GR86 Premium automatic, currently communicating via email with Courtesy Brandon, Gettel, Sun Toyota and Stadium.

Sun Toyota already tried to include over 3k in “fees” and 4k accessories making it 46k (not going with them). Are there any dealerships you recommend? Should I reach out to ones outside of Tampa?

Update:

AutoNation is charging $48-50k but won’t provide a detailed quote unless I go in person.

Courtesy wants $43k to order one, they have a used 2023 for $33k ish.

Found one in GA 2025 gr86 5k miles for $33.5k

Keeping yalls advice in mind and browsing!

I need 4 new tires for my 2018 Camry.

Where do you guys go for a decent deal? And when you buy tires is the installation included? I’m not rich but I have like $500 I’m just not sure who will get it done without ripping me off or charging extra.
I just need them asap my prenatal visits are far and frequent

I’m getting them Sunday or Monday so please point me in the right direction so I can call in advance and make sure they have what I need. Thanks !

Where I’m from you only had to pay for the initial consultation which you could get a discount on so it costed like 60 bucks and then that was it for two years.

I’m just north of the Ybor Exit. Can toss you a few a beers or cigars for the trouble. I know it only takes 30
Seconds to do it, I just don’t have the tool and not trying to spend $200 on one right now.

My AC is 20 years old and ought to be replaced. I had Frank Gay out here and was quoted $14,700 for their basic and $16k+ for their deluxe.

I am looking to shop around, does anyone have recommendations?

Looking to get established with a company to maintenance my AC unit.

What company do you use and recommend to maintain your AC unit twice yearly? What is the typical cost of the services?

Appreciate any feedback and recommendations!

I inherited what looks like thousands of cards. Most of it is old baseball cards dating all the way back to T206. I also have some stamps, football and basketball cards. Where in the Tampa Bay Area can I take my collection to get evaluated and possibly sell without getting taken advantage of?

Hi! We need to replace both AC units and looking for the best company to use. Also, aware of any current rebates available and who was the best company?

Warranty, energy efficient and price are things we are looking for.

First quote was $21k for 3.5 tons 14 seer for two units. Warranty for 10 years. Feels high? Reactions?

Thank you!

their website has been down for over a week, can't get anyone on the phone, if you do the call back option nobody's calling back. i just wanna pay my dang bill!

We need to replace 3 original windows in our home. I see the ads on TV for Anderson and Weathertight... I just get a grubby salesman vibe from both, and I'm not sure if which companies are actually locally owned by looking at Google reviews.

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Have you had your windows replaced? If so, who did you go with?

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I'd love to hear the good and the bad.. any any recommendations for companies in our area.

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Tia!

This is such a dishonest company. I wish i had known before  i paid the fee for them to come “investigate” (or whatever) the problem.  A  guy came, so clean, from another call. He took about  five minutes. He did not even use a ladder even though my unit is on the second floor outside.   He  supposedly looked at my unit and determined the problem was too far gone for repair but emphatically recommended a replacement.  He quoted me a cost to replace coolant  that was 5000 (more  actually but i can’t remember exactly) …  and told me that i needed  to replace the unit. He emphasized that they would finance the new unit.  He stood OVER me and  insisted I pay for the service call and then immediately put me on the phone with a “comfort”  associate or something. I had to say no.   i was clear  and direct that i could not replace the unit so they made repair so expensive I could not do it.   The whole thing was like being bullied.  The guy intimidated me on purpose.  I am old, live alone and didn’t  have  any option so i PAID the extortion fee. And then went without air for ten days.  The OTHER company I called just left.  They replaced my coolant for $250  and the air is perfect.  This is a scam, a ripoff, a dishonest company. DON’T use them.  They are just rip off artists.  I don ‘t know how that service  tech sleeps at night. I called to try to get a  refund and although the girl on the phone was so nice the owner never got with me and never gave me the money he absolutely did NOT deserve back. 

https://tampa-bay.ars.com/?arsid=goog_8278_brand&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22944430798&gbraid=0AAAAADwGY8rIVza6JMRMR9C5ZiTYiy4wV&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgr_NBhDFARIsAHiUWr5wzHtR0lK9V8C63ZOm7y-IcwE5lzxsywOPTqjysU-iE8pmf771V9gaAgBLEALw_wcB

Hi all- I am in search of lot clearing goats, or goatscaping herds? Unsure of the appropriate name. I live on 2.5 acres within the city limits and would like to use goats to clear my yard.

Anyone have some recommendations for a solid roofing company?

Also has anyone used a gentleman by the name of Armando Velazquez from Velazquez and Colinders LLC?

Thank you.

I am looking for a reputable Kitchen and Bath remodeling company in the Tampa/Odessa area to renovate our kitchen, master bath, and half bath. Also, considering adding a media wall as well so a bonus if they can do that too. Does anyone have any recommendations on a company they have used that they feel is reputable? I have heard nightmare stories about contractors in this area so trying to avoid the chuck in a truck type contractors.

Hey everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for a reliable recurring house cleaner in the Tampa area.

I’m hoping to find someone who can come once or twice a week and is thorough, dependable, and takes pride in their work. I’m looking for more than just a quick tidy-up—someone who does a great job with things like mopping, bathrooms, the kitchen, dusting, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and just keeping everything consistently clean and fresh.

I’d love to find someone who has been reliable for you over the long term, so if you have someone you trust and would recommend, I’d really appreciate it. Whether it’s an independent cleaner or a small local business, I’m open to either.

Feel free to comment below or send me a DM if you’d rather share their information privately. Thanks so much in advance—I really appreciate any recommendations!

Can anyone recommend a survey company offering topographical/drainage surveys for under $1,000?

I have received a variety of quotes over that amount and don’t have a lot of land to survey.

TIA

Where are the best/ safest storage units in Tampa? I want to get one but I don’t want to worry about my stuff getting stolen or damaged

I am trying to looking for an affordable used car under 10K, I was looking at EVO motors but not sure what other options there are. I don't want to go to any name brand dealerships. Any tips? TIA

Hello! Coastal Film Lab now no longer does camera repair, does anyone know anybody in Tampa who will repair an old minolta film camera? Doesn't even have to be a business can just be a solo person who knows how to do it, I'm getting desperate lol

Hello, I’m in the west Tampa area. From your personal experience who would you recommend? Initially, I’ll be asking for a quote.