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Bridge to soon be named after former mayor

By JEREMY HAYES
Published August 6, 2006

TEMPLE TERRACE - Bob Woodard's name will soon grace the Bullard Parkway bridge.

As Temple Terrace's mayor from 1990-1998, Woodard garnered much praise for his civic involvement and for the enthusiasm that he showed for his community.

The bridge, to be renamed the Bob Woodard Bridge, will be dedicated in September with a plaque to honor the former mayor.

"Every time you shook hands with him, he would be talking about Temple Terrace," said Michael Dunn, public information officer for the city. "It was his hobby and his profession."

Woodard, who died in 1999 at age 71, was known throughout town as "Mr. Temple Terrace," and is best known for his role in the widening of Bullard Parkway from two lanes to four.

"Bob was so essential for a four-lane Bullard Parkway that we thought it was appropriate to name the bridge after him," said Joe Affronti, current Temple Terrace mayor. "He was a great mayor for the city, and represented it well."

Woodard was also a strong proponent of the arts and was essential in beginning the Masque Community Theatre.

"It's good to see that Bob's influence is being carried on by his son Kevin and by his wife, JoAnn," said Affronti. "I really feel very good about this whole thing."

Jeremy Hayes can be reached at jchayes@sptimes.com.

[Last modified August 5, 2006, 19:25:40]