“Small town America” Temple Terrace celebrates the 4th of July.

“Small town America” Temple Terrace celebrates the 4^th of July.

By Jack Pagano
jack@thetampapost.com

Temple Terrace, FL- Small town “Americana” was displayed during Temple Terrace’s 48th Independence Day parade.  With soaring temperatures in the high 90’s that didn’t dampen the spirit of hometown folks coming out and saying thanks for freedom.  Thousands lined the well-manicured tree-lined streets waving at the many “Spirit of America” floats, vehicles, and just good homefolk advertising.  Temple Terrace is a stone’s throw from the University of South Florida and one of Florida’s biggest VA centers, the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.  Downtown Tampa is not far away.

Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross walked the parade route thanking everyone who participated.  He spoke proudly about Temple Terrace’s small-town flavor.  “The 4^th of July parade reinforces the identity of Temple Terrace. We’re a terrific city and we still have that special hometown feeling.”

Temple Terrace 4^th of July celebration.  One of the hundreds of vehicles and floats during the Temple Terrace annual 4^th of July parade. 4 July 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Temple Terrace 4^th of July celebration.  Local merchants walked the parade route showcasing their spirit of freedom. 4 July 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Temple Terrace 4^th of July celebration.  Terrace Community Middle School was out in force showcasing the love of Independence Day. 4 July 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Temple Terrace 4^th of July celebration.  Two young boys celebrating the spirit of Independence Day. 4 July 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

The parade started mid-morning winding down Whiteway Dr. and Gillette Ave. Then later that evening music and fireworks on the 1st fairway of Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club.

Ross has been the Temple Terrace mayor for 4 years and he emphasized the parade showcases we’re all Americans. He said, “The parade had democrats, republicans, and campaigns from both sides of the aisle because today we’re all Americans…”

Robert “Rocky” Rockford running for Florida’s 14^th Congressional District which comprises Hillsborough County and parts of St. Petersburg was there showcasing his veteran spirit.  The retired Navy Captain said we should remember Independence Day for more than parades and fireworks.   “The 4^th of July brings such patriotic themes to all of us. Independence Day is about us and we should never forget history. Freedom isn’t free.” Temple Terrace is not in Florida’s 14^th district yet Rockford showed up to show his support.

Temple Terrace 4^th of July celebration.  Florida’s 14^th Congressional District candidate (R) Robert “Rocky” Rockford meeting with the youth of Temple Terrace.  4 July 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Mayor Ross expressed the festivities provide a reflective moment in our country’s current events. “We just need to turn down the volume and talk to each other and really try to understand the other person’s position.  We’re not always going to agree but we can try to find middle ground.”  Certainly, good advice as the nation celebrates Independence Day.

Temple Terrace 4^th of July celebration.  Area democrats out in force during the Independence Day parade. 4 July 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Jack Pagano is a retired Army field grade officer with many decades of Information Operations experience and currently working remotely in the USA as COO/Strategist for one of Afghanistan’s biggest Radio/TV networks.  His current mission is getting out Afghan journalists he trained, and mentored who are stuck, stranded under the Sharia-driven Taliban.