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Former Mayor Discusses Growth

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By LOIS KINDLE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 3, 2007

SUN CITY CENTER - Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco received an enthusiastic audience response at end of his speech at the most recent Ruskin Chamber of Commerce luncheon. In fact, he got a standing ovation.

Almost 100 listened to Greco discuss growth and community development at Freedom Plaza Sept. 24.

Greco said he was amazed how the chamber had grown in its 79-year history. When it began, he said, there were barely 300 people in all of Ruskin. Today, he said, the chamber alone has 300 members.

'I've had so many positive comments on his presentation and how he urged everyone to be involved in growth planning and have a voice in the community's future,' said Melanie Morrison, the chamber's executive director. 'People were very impressed he came all the way down here, and at no charge.'

Greco, 74, talked at length about the community, the real estate market and the tremendous growth expected in the area.

'Things will never be the same,' he said. 'We can only hope to make things better. I urge you to take a keen interest about everything that's going on.'

Noted for his storytelling skills, Greco reminisced about Giant's Fish Camp, the Coffee Cup restaurant and other long-gone South Shore landmarks.

'During my first term as mayor, I cut the ribbon on the first house built in Apollo Beach by Francis Corr,' he said.

Greco also discussed the importance of economic development.

'There's no way to help people who don't have anything, except by bringing in people who have something,' he said. 'You're destined to be a big area, like it or not. You can do it right or do it wrong. That's why it's important for everyone to be involved.'

That applies to broader countywide issues, he added.

'What happens in Tampa is important to Ruskin, and what happens here is important to Tampa. We all have a responsibility to make sure this area is the best it can be.'

Born and raised in Tampa, Dick Greco became Tampa mayor in 1967 at 34 and served in the office until 1974.

During his second term, he resigned to join the Edward J. DeBartolo Corp., a nationwide shopping center developer, as a vice president. During his 21 years with the DeBartolo, he participated in more than 22 regional mall projects.

Greco retired from DeBartolo in 1995. He ran again for Tampa mayor and won. In 1999, he was re-elected without opposition. Four years later, Greco became senior vice president of the DeBartolo Property Group, and in 2004, joined Lindell Properties as executive vice president.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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