Pen Shops In Tampa

[asdfg68plus1]

I live in Tampa, Florida, and I was wondering if anyone knows of any good shops around here that you would recommend. The closer the better, preferably. Thanks!

[FearNot]

NearMint,

 

The International Plaza Mall has a Mont Blanc shop as well as a Crane & Co. store. Both of these have FPs. Don't know of any others.

 

Sadly:

 

"Feb. 7 (2003) --TAMPA, Fla.--John "Bill" Billingsley will always bleed ink blue. The shop he co-owns, The Pen Store, has been in downtown Tampa for more than five decades. Tucked for the past five years in a tiny storefront on Cass Street near the TECO Plaza, pen enthusiasts have visited him for treasured fountain pens, refills, even repairs of vintage pens.

 

Billingsley claims it is the only store of its kind in the Southeast.

 

But a bad economy and Internet discounters have pushed The Pen Store over the brink. The shop has closed."

Edited July 16, 2010 by FearNot

[FloridaMike]

Those interested in vintage pens may want to make a short trip northeast to Dade City. There a ton of antique shops up here and some of them have pens from time to time. Right now is the slow season, as most of the snowbirds have returned north for the winter. Could be time to negotiate a great deal, if you find something you like.

[Contrarian]

NearMint,

 

The International Plaza Mall has a Mont Blanc shop as well as a Crane & Co. store. Both of these have FPs. Don't know of any others.

 

Sadly:

 

"Feb. 7 (2003) --TAMPA, Fla.--John "Bill" Billingsley will always bleed ink blue. The shop he co-owns, The Pen Store, has been in downtown Tampa for more than five decades. Tucked for the past five years in a tiny storefront on Cass Street near the TECO Plaza, pen enthusiasts have visited him for treasured fountain pens, refills, even repairs of vintage pens.

 

Billingsley claims it is the only store of its kind in the Southeast.

 

But a bad economy and Internet discounters have pushed The Pen Store over the brink. The shop has closed."

Thanks for posting this FearNot. I visited that store many years ago when I was a kid and wondered what happened to it. It was certainly unique. Last time I visited it was in the 70's got hired on the Game & Fish Commission and went there to get a cross pen set. I wished I had spent more time there.

[The UPS Man]

I've just recently become a member and was searching through the forums for other folks in Tampa or Florida in general and came across your post. I bought a pen from Bill Billingsley about 20 years ago when his store was in downtown Tampa but I have news that might be helpful - he currently runs a business out of his home - I believe its Riverview, Fl just a hop skip and jump from Tampa. If you search Bill Billingsley on google you'll find the address etc. I believe its Bill's Pen Shop of Tampa Bay. While I'm at it - do you know of any penmanship clubs or classes in the Bay Area?

 

I live in Tampa, Florida, and I was wondering if anyone knows of any good shops around here that you would recommend. The closer the better, preferably. Thanks!

[jdavidallen]

Today I bought a Lamy Safari from The Write Stuff in Tampa, Florida. The Lamy Safari is the only fountain pen they carry. Their address is 3225 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 and phone is (813) 837-0400. The store is primarily stationary products. A tiny display of Safaris sits near the register.

[carlos.q]

Today I bought a Lamy Safari from The Write Stuff in Tampa, Florida. The Lamy Safari is the only fountain pen they carry. Their address is 3225 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 and phone is [/size](813) 837-0400. The store is primarily stationary products. A tiny display of Safaris sits near the register.[/size]

Thank you for the info and welcome to FPN!

Sometime ago I found that Mori Luggage in Westshore Plaza had a small selection of pens and bottles of ink. Haven't been there recently.