The Mayor opened the conversation by highlighting the outdated nature of the city’s current branding, which was part of a master plan reviewed after 25 years. The existing logo was criticized for its lack of cohesion, primarily in its representation of the city’s unique character. The Mayor explained that the current use of seagulls in the brand did not adequately reflect the community. He introduced a staff team who had been working on the rebranding project, which seeks to address these issues by developing a new logo that could serve the city for the next 15 to 20 years.

A consultant presented proposed revisions to the city seal, emphasizing the need for clarity and visual appeal. The original seal was described as resembling a mountainous island, with elements requiring clarification. The lighthouse and sponge boat imagery were refined for better definition, and a new color palette was introduced. This palette incorporated a burgundy shade inspired by the local high school, aimed at brightening and modernizing the seal’s appearance.

Adjustmentsttention was given to the typography of the new design. The consultant presented two font styles, with Style A being the original and Style B, Allegra Bold, noted as hard to read. Adjustments to the font styles were considered important to ensure clarity and appropriateness for the city’s image. Variations of the city seal were introduced, incorporating suggestions about the sponge diver’s helmet as a central icon. These variations also aimed to reflect different districts within Tarpon Springs, including a proposed “beaches district” alongside existing areas such as downtown and Greektown.

The board discussed the proposed taglines for marketing purposes. “Discover Tarpon Springs: Uniquely Florida, Unmistakably Greek” received a favorable response, while “Dive into Tradition, Explore the Suncoast” and “Get Hooked on Tarpon Spirit” had mixed reactions. The tagline “Where Greece Meets the Gulf,” credited to a committee member, also received positive feedback.

There was a debate over which structures should be prominent in the city’s branding. Discussions centered on whether the downtown clock tower or the railroad station should serve as a more central symbol. This highlighted differing views on which elements should be emphasized in marketing Tarpon Springs. Some members expressed that the marketing approach should reflect shopping in the downtown area, recognizing the importance of a consistent and recognizable brand.

Concerns about the branding’s visual elements persisted, with calls for a cleaner design to ensure clarity. Suggestions included removing the sun and other elements that might overshadow focal points to enhance the logo’s impact. The financial aspects of the branding initiative were also discussed in relation to a proposed tax measure. Regardless of the tax proposal’s outcome, rebranding efforts were seen as having a positive impact on commerce and potentially increasing city revenues through sales tax.