TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Tarpon Springs named a Preserve America Community

ADVERTISEMENT

BY MARK SCHANTZ

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: December 13, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS - The city's commitment to preserving its history has been recognized by first lady Laura Bush, with the designation of Tarpon Springs as one of the nation's newest Preserve America Communities.

Kathy Monahan, Tarpon Springs' civic and cultural director, said the designation is a great honor that recognizes the city's long-term commitment to preserving its historical resources. It also provides the city with another avenue for federal grants, in an era when they are increasingly tough to find and win on a state level, she said.

Bush is honorary chairwoman of the Preserve America Initiative, a project started by the White House, in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities, President's Committee on Arts and Humanities, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and several federal agencies.

"Preserve America Communities demonstrate that they are committed to preserving America's heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities for learning and enjoyment," the first lady said in a prepared statement.

"The program provides strong incentive for continued preservation of our cultural and natural heritage resources," she added.

Ginny Haller, the city's urban planner in charge of historic preservation projects, said the designation is a great honor, opening up Tarpon Springs for a variety of historical preservation and marketing grants totaling between $20,000 and $150,000. Grants can support research, planning, marketing, interpretational materials and training efforts.

They cannot be used for capital improvements.

The designation will also help market the city to tourists who have an interest in history and historical preservation. The city gets a listing on the Preserve America Web site and can use the federal logo in its advertising and marketing campaigns, she added.

To earn the grant, the city focused on all its historical preservation efforts, most recently restoration the Tarpon Springs Historical Society Railroad Depot Museum downtown, she said.

Haller said the city has been very active in preserving its historic heritage, from the Sponge Docks to downtown, from Safford House to the historic Cycadia Cemetery.

Dunedin, St. Petersburg and Tampa have also been designated Preserve America cities.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT