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Annual Reason To Be Proud

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 2, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - TEMPLE TERRACE - It is a tradition in which American citizens celebrate their freedom and love of country. It is also a holiday when many Temple Terrace residents are eager to display pride in their community.

That day is Independence Day, and with it comes the Temple Terrace Fourth of July Parade.

Parade chairwoman Kathie Miley, Atlantic Bank's Temple Terrace branch manager, remembers attending the parade as a youngster and, at this stage in her life, is delighted to be in charge.

The event's theme is "Proud to Be an American."

"I'm just thrilled we're going to have it this year because we could have lost it through budget cuts, as many other cities have," she said. "The city of Temple Terrace deserves a lot of credit because it does such a great job behind the scenes to make this possible."

The two-hour event starts at 10 a.m. and will feature 120 entries, including both King High School's and Tampa Bay Technical High School's marching bands.

The two-mile route begins at Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue and travels south to Druid Hills Road. From there it moves west to Ridgedale Road, where it turns south again and ends at the ball fields adjacent to Temple Terrace Elementary School.

Cheri Donohue, executive director of the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce, said the city's parade is quite impressive considering the size of the town.

"Southern Living magazine should do a story about it," she joked.

Donohue said safety is a major concern this year following the death of a child during a Plant City parade last year.

Participants and attendees are being asked not to throw candy, beads or coins from or at the floats, which also are required to have two walking monitors alongside them.

"This is an effort to provide more eyes on the street," she said.

The city is also planning its annual 9:15 p.m. fireworks display on the first fairway of the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, along Woodmont and Belle Terre avenues. The city is asking residents to leave their personal fireworks at home.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Temple Terrace Fourth of July Parade

WHEN: 10 a.m. Friday

WHERE: The parade route starts at Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue; it ends at the ball fields adjacent to Temple Terrace Elementary School.

WHAT: Fireworks display

WHEN: 9:15 p.m. Friday

WHERE: First fairway of the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, along Woodmont and Belle Terre avenues

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4840 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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