GRECO STATUE UNVEILED AT STREETCAR HUB

Southern Transportation Plaza Renamed for Former Tampa Mayor

May 29, 2008, Tampa, Florida - The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and Friends of Dick Greco unveiled a new likeness of the former Mayor of Tampa on the grounds of the Southern Transportation Plaza, located at the corner of Franklin Street and St. Pete Times Forum Drive in downtown Tampa. The plaza is adjacent to the Marriott Waterside and Embassy Suites hotels, and the Tampa Convention Center.

The statue, commissioned by Friends of Greco including business and civic leaders, was paid for with private contributions from companies and individuals. It is a replica of the popular former mayor sitting on a park bench. It was designed by Steve Dickey, a Tampa sculptor who has done statues of other Tampa leaders, including former mayor Nick Nuccio.

The location for the statue of Mayor Greco was chosen because of the vital role he played in bringing the modern streetcar system to the city, and for his work in revitalizing the Channel District.

The HART Board of Directors has decreed that the Southern Transportation Plaza will be re-named the Dick Greco Plaza transportation center in honor of the mayor's many accomplishments.

"Mayor Greco is a great man, and he's been wonderful for this community," said Tampa City Councilman and HART Board member John Dingfelder. "It's a great way to honor him. This will become a real icon downtown."

"The response to honoring Dick in this fashion has really been tremendous," said Ron Rotella, executive director of the Westshore Alliance and one of the event's organizers.

The TECO Line Streetcar System is managed by Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. and operated by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) under contract to Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. The mission of Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. (THS) is to offer a dynamic new component to Tampa’s transportation system by providing attractive, reliable, comfortable, convenient and safe streetcar service to local residents and visitors alike.


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