Politics & Government

Council to Learn More About Bat Tower, Marketing Campaign

The Temple Terrace City Council will meet Tuesday at City Hall at 6 p.m.

Want to learn more about the Temple Terrace Bat Tower and the city’s marketing plan?

The Temple Terrace City Council is scheduled to hear presentations on both subjects at its 6 p.m. meeting.

Bat Tower

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The Bat Tower is a project being undertaken by the Bat Tower Committee, a group interested in rebuilding a haven for bats in Temple Terrace. The city’s original bat tower was built in 1924 along the banks of the Hillsborough River behind what is now 933 Riverhills Drive. Temple Terrace developers cleared the land for the structure. Arsonists burned it down in 1979.

Committee members want to build the new tower because they say it would recreate the historic icon, allow the city to reduce its use of harmful pesticides, provide habitat for local native bats and create a local tourist attraction.

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Last November, they found bats at the property across from the Hilltop Dog Park on Harney Road, which is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. They have been discussing building the bat tower at this location.

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Marketing Campaign

At a special workshop in August, the council and the city’s marketing gurus Margie Martin, of Martin Communications, and Tim Lancaster, of Lancaster Design, discussed the next steps in Temple Terrace’s marketing campaign.

The city has already created a new logo and tagline, launched a new and improved website, and completed a commercial-quality video that showcases and promotes the Temple Terrace and its economic environment.

Martin and Lancaster agreed in August that the next thing the city should do is reach out to clubs and organizations within Temple Terrace, as well as realtors, and the USF community. Martin called these collaborations “strategic alliances.”

Other Topics

According to the meeting agenda, the council is also scheduled to:

  • take a final vote on an ordinance establishing an exemption from certain ad valorem taxes for new businesses and expansion of existing businesses;
  • have a public hearing and initial discussion on an ordinance that would amend the city’s 10-year Water Supply Facilities Plan in the Comprehensive Plan;
  • consider a resolution to approve the purchase of a 2012 Chevy Impala unmarked police detective vehicle with installed equipment in the amount of $20,342.50 and a 2012 Ford Econoline E-250 cargo van crime scene vehicle with installed equipment in the amount of $23,949.12;
  • consider a resolution to approve the purchase and installation of eight hurricane doors for Fire Station 1 in the amount of $71,376;
  • recognize Greco Middle School’s upcoming 50th anniversary;
  • consider a lien reduction in regard to property at 601 Vanderbaker Road.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. It will be televised live on Verizon Channel 39 and Bright House Channel 950 and rebroadcast on Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m.

See also:
Committee Finds Bats at Swiftmud Site
Project Aims To Reconstruct Temple Terrace Bat Tower
Supporters Attend Bat Tower Talk
City Discusses Marketing Strategy Next Steps
Video Creates 3 Local Stars
Professional Actress Joins Residents to Promote City in New Video
City’s New Website Launched

City's Marketing Efforts Seen Around Town
City Council Approves New Marketing Strategey


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