Tarpon Springs honored for Gro Group

TARPON SPRINGS -- City officials have always thought Gro Group, a program that helps developmentally disabled adults, was special.

In October, it will be recognized as a world leader.

The city recently learned it is receiving the 2002 International City/County Management Association Program Excellence Award for programs for the disadvantaged. It will be honored at the group's October convention in New York.

"This is a very prestigious award that we are so happy to be honored with," said Judy Staley, the city's spokeswoman.

Tarpon Springs was the only city in Florida to receive an award from the international body. The city will share its award with a town in southern Australia.

Gro Group, which has operated in the city for 15 years under various names, strives to enhance the quality of life for developmentally disabled adults in Tarpon Springs, Staley said. The group does a variety of projects in the community. Its members have planted poinsettias, worked on butterfly gardens, cleaned up Craig Park and made note cards to sell at the annual art show in Tarpon Springs in April.

The program, which serves 20 adults at a time, has a curriculum that includes functional skills and vocational training in nursery management operations. Its goal is to develop the knowledge and skills to become self-sufficient.

Gro Group also is a partner with the city's Cops & Kids program for an annual Christmas party and toy drive.

Funding for the program comes from a partnership between the city and the Pinellas County school system.

The county school system pays the salary of program instructor Paula Littlefield. The city provides the facility and takes care of the peripheral needs associated with running the program.

City officials hope to send a representative to the New York conference to accept the award, Staley said.

The ICMA is an 88-year-old professional and educational organization representing appointed managers and administrators in local governments throughout the world.

Its mission is to enhance local government while supporting local government managers and administrators. It represents 8,000 cities worldwide.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright