TARPON SPRINGS, FL – The City of Tarpon Springs on Florida’s Gulf Coast, arguably far and away the part of the United States most reminiscent of Greece, is a finalist for the All-American City award given every year by the National Civic League (NCL).

“Continuing its year-long celebration of community-based efforts to promote health, equity, safety, and well-being though collaborative problem-solving and public engagement,” the NCL announced this year’s 25 finalists for the award on its website,

allamericancityaward.com. Of the 25, 10 communities will be chosen for their outstanding civic accomplishments.

The finalists will be chosen in Denver, CO during the June 13-15 ceremony. Denver Mayor and NCL Board Chair Michael B. Hancock, said, NCL reported, “all-America city finalists are at the forefront of a nationwide movement to find inventive, community-based solutions to the issues that face our cities. From preparing our kids to compete and succeed in the 21st century to promoting livable neighborhood revitalization, new ideas often start in one community and later become best practices for others.”

Currently, Tarpon Springs is in the process of selecting a delegation to attend the June event in Denver.  A personal appearance is expected to increase a finalist city’s chances of being selected among the top 10, according to the Suncoast News, and Tarpon Springs Mayor David Archie appealed to Tarpon business owners to make donations to help defray the costs.  Those wishing to contribute may do so at: Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce – All-America City Program and send them to Sue Thomas, Chamber President, 111 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689.

Debra Connelly, Vice Chairman of the Foundation Committee for the Tarpon Springs Rotary Club, Ambassador for Chamber, and a board member for the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association, told TNH that Tarpon’s “influence of the Greek culture is even stronger here than if you were walking down a street in Santorini,” and that there is even greater depth to the city. “We have a working port of shrimp and fishing boats, antique shops, great restaurants and craft beer breweries. We also have boat shows, antique car shows, an Octoberfest celebration, and free wine walks to local establishments all sponsored and managed by the Tarpon Springs Merchants’ Association.”

Tarpon Springs deserves this honor, she added, because “our residents are full of life and thriving as they work together. We strive to build a trauma free  environment for families to thrive while enjoying a healthy lifestyle supported by their walkable city.”

THE FINALISTS

The complete list of the 25 finalists, by state is:

ALABAMA (1): Montgomery

CALIFORNIA (2): San Pablo, Whittier

COLORADO (1): Brush

FLORDA (2): Fort Lauderdale, Tarpon Springs

IOWA (2): Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown

INDIANA (1): Columbus

MASSACHUSETTS (4): Chelsea, Dedham, Fitchburg, Somerville

MICHIGAN (1): Marquette

NEW YORK (2): Canton, Kenmore

OREGON (1): Independence

RHODE ISLAND (1): Providence

TENNESSEE (1): Knoxville

TEXAS (2): Brownsville, Marshall

VIRGINIA (2): Hampton, Portsmouth

WASINGTON (1): Yakima

WISCONSIN (1): Eau Claire