Alas, Tampa’s All-American City Award shot fell short. Now on hold: all those marketing upgrades, such as changes to the city’s web site and around-town signage.
Tampa might have been victimized, ironically, by a home-field “disadvantage.” The other 31 cities had more logistical and budget challenges, which may have been over-compensated for by judges. A number also had sexier projects with more wow factors.
So be it.
What is more than consoling is this: Tampa’s three (submitted) community projects — the East Tampa initiative, the 40th Street Enhancement Project and the Annual Sulphur Springs Children’s Holiday Event — spoke volumes about priorities and partnerships. Neighborhood input was tapped – and lives were touched. The signs that really matter — those of change and inclusion — are more than manifest.