Tampa Historic Preservation

[AKBTampa]

First Lady Names Tampa A Preserve America Community
By Ellen Gedalius of The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 8, 2008

TAMPA - First lady Laura Bush has designated Tampa a Preserve America Community.

That means the city is being honored for its historic preservation program. To be considered, the city had to show that its program demonstrated a strong level of community involvement in preservation and education about the city's history and culture. Tampa was praised for its commitment in preserving, protecting and promoting its historic resources.

"It's a national-level acknowledgment that the city of Tampa is doing everything in its power to preserve its heritage," said Dennis Fernandez, the city's historic preservation manager.

The designation makes the city eligible for grants that can be spent on research, planning, marketing and training efforts.

The city submitted its application in September. Officials highlighted the work of several local preservation groups, including the Ybor City Museum Society, Tampa Preservation Inc. and the American Institute of Architects. Work of other groups, such as the Tampa Bay History Center, also was featured.



Well, glad to see the city's historic preservation manager has something to do with his time.