In less than two months, we’ll know if Tampa is an All-American City. Again. Last time this city was so designated by the National Civic League was 1990.
Now Tampa is among 32 cities — from Phoenix, Arizona to Providence, Rhode Island — vying for the honor. It will be bestowed on 10 of them at the 60th anniversary awards ceremony on Friday, June 19 right here at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel. Tampa is the only Florida city represented. The key criterion: How well a city has done creating partnerships with elements of their communities to address local challenges.
In Tampa’s case, Exhibits A, B and C are:
*The 6-year East Tampa Initiative that has worked to help revitalize a neighborhood with recreational, social and cultural activities.
*The 40th Street Enhancement Project, the nearly finished $106-million improvement of 4.2 miles of roadway on 40th Street from Hillsborough to Fowler Avenue. It includes a new bridge – conceptually designed by a local King High School student. It features multiple partnerships as well as a citizen task force.
*The annual Sulphur Springs Children’s Holiday Event, which provides local children with gifts and food – as well as care and attention. Sulphur Springs, which has a median income of $10,592, also has the highest population of children of all Tampa neighborhoods. The key partner: the Tampa Police Department.
“I am really excited for the people in these communities,” says Shannon Edge, the director of Tampa’s Office of Neighborhood & Community Relations. “They felt like they never had a voice. Especially the 40th Street task force. To get this designation would validate all the time and effort put in. It will demonstrate that all the hard work paid off.”
It would also be a major, one-year, marketing coup, adds Edge, who can envision more than “All-American City” signage around town. Think official letterheads and web sites to city car magnets and t-shirts.
“It’s huge,” she underscores. “Especially for economic development. We’re talking the Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay & Company, the Convention Center, the Committee of 100. And in this crazy economic time, to have this boost in pride!”
So, is Tampa confident? Yes – but anxious too, according to Edge. She’s concerned that there might be, ironically, a bit of a home-venue disadvantage in being the host. It could mean that judges will cut extra slack to those who had to mix in more travel expenses and logistical inconveniences.
“We can’t think we’re a shoo-in because we’re hosting,” says Edge. “We have to knock their socks off. If anything, there’s more pressure because it’s here. We have to keep it tight, on point and enthusiastic.”
Starting with the Middleton High drum line to fire everyone up.