The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills pursues a rebranding effort

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The Zephyrhills City Council voted July 11 to hire a marketing firm to pursue the city’s rebranding efforts.

Council members also approved a contract aimed at revitalizing Hercules Park.

A rendering of Hercules Park improvement project includes amenities such as a BMX track, a Frisbee disc golf course, a nearly 1-acre open playfield, and a 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area. The estimated cost has been set at $4.2 million. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)  

The city came to an agreement with The Northstar Group, a marketing group, to help rebrand and reimagine the image of Zephyrhills.

The city also has signed a contract with a construction management company that will oversee the Hercules Park renovation project.

That project includes renovating the park and adding several new amenities.

Both efforts, which have been spearheaded by City Manager Billy Poe, received unanimous support by council members.

The city has been using “City of Pure Water” as its slogan, but Poe has advocated rebranding the city by choosing a new slogan, as well as a new logo for the town.

By rebranding, the city manager said he hopes to broaden the city’s appeal to a wider range of new residents, to boost its current population of 18,000. He also hopes the effort will help promote economic development, encourage civic engagement and boost tourism.

The rebranding project is expected to take about 34 weeks to complete. It will include market research, brand strategy, creative development, and action and implementation.

The City and Northstar also plan to reach out to citizens for their input.

This effort is separate from PlanZephyrhills 2035, which focuses on the city’s long-range comprehensive plan.

The rebranding project is expected to cost about $68,000.

The city awarded the Hercules Park construction management contract to the Tampa-based Wharton-Smith Construction Group.

Renovation plans have been drawn up for the new park on the land adjacent to Woodland Elementary. The estimated cost of the project is $4.2 million, and includes amenities such as a BMX track, a Frisbee disc golf course, a nearly 1-acre open playfield and a 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area.

No timetable yet has been set for the groundbreaking, beginning of construction or completion of the Hercules Park project.

Published June 20, 2022

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  1. Zephyrhills has a very unique brand of “tin can tourists” and initiation by an extraordinary Union Officer, Howard B. Jeffries who recruited people from all over the USA and beyond to settle in Zephyrhills. “City of Pure Water” was never the real fit, but let’s hope they don’t destroy the incredible and highly unique history.
    Billy, please preserve this unique history! You owe it to Zephyrhills! The history is quirky and fun but it is wildly unique, unlike any other place.
    from Madonna Jervis Wise (who has written a few books about the history of the area!)

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