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Tarpon Taking Cypriot Sister City

Number of Tarpon Springs Sister Cities will rise to three

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: June 25, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS- The southern coastal city of Larnaca, Cyprus, is Tarpon Springs' newest best friend and soon-to-be Sister City.

Mayor Beverley Billiris said officials from Larnaca recently jumped at the chance to become Tarpon Springs' third municipal sibling.

Tarpon Springs already has relationships with two cities in Greece, Kalymnos and Halki. An attempt to collaborate with Symi, Greece, failed after those officials did not respond to the city's request to be a partner.

Billiris said when Tarpon Springs learned that Larnaca, a tourist city of about 72,000, was interesting in partnering, local officials fired-off a letter of invitation.

Larnaca officials immediately responded, noting in January they plan to visit Tarpon Springs for an official friendship signing.

Billiris said both cities have many things in common.

For one, both Tarpon Springs and Larnaca have rich cultural heritages, commercial marinas and foster tourism.

In addition, both cities also focus on the arts and culture, by operating their own theater and art gallery, Billiris said.

She was happy to hear from representatives of Larnaca and plans to move forward with the request for a partnership, Billiris said.

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

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