Economic Development in Tarpon Springs

In an election it seems people want to reinvent the wheel, challenge experience with unknowns and think outside the box.  

Creativity is wonderful, and I consider myself creative.  But I keep hearing the City could do more to promote Tarpon Springs.

The City Economic Development Division has $103,671 budget for 2013.  

The Recreation Department budget for beach concerts, beach care, senior recreation, youth sports teams, and all the activites that help to attract people to Tarpon Springs has a budget of $1,073,440.

The Cultural and Civic Services Departments consisting of the Library, the Division of Cultural and Civic Services, (Heritage Center, Safford House, Train Depot, Performing Arts) and miscellaneous other areas has a budget for $1,735,388 for 2013.

Those three areas have a combined budget of more than $3 million.  That's three million dollars for cultural events, art shows, youth and senior sports activities, concerts, museums, the library and other areas of interest which attract people to Tarpon Springs.

In addition, the City is currently building a new $1.4 million dollar park on Live Oak, a new sports complex is planned for the landfill and $1 million soon will be spent at the Sponge Docks, and in the last year the City spent nearly $1 million dollars building public restrooms on Tarpon Avenue and at the Sponge Docks.   

We are fortunate to have the availability of impact fees, the local option sales tax and a variety of dedicated funds that have to be used for specific purposes.  

As a candidate for City Commissioner Seat 4, I realize we can always try to do more, I would like to hear what specifics your readers would like to suggest to improve Economic Development in Tarpon Springs.

Timothy Keffalas is a candidate for Tarpon Springs City Commissioner, Seat 4.