Temple Crest Civic Association By Laws

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Annual Dues..............................................................................15

Board.......................................................................7

By‑Laws...............................................................................5,8,16

Committees................................................................................10

Articles of Incorporation...............................................................1

Dismissal of Officers.................................................................13

Dissolution of Corporation...........................................................3

Election of Officers....................................................................18

Finance Committee......................................................................1

First Officers and Members........................................................22

History of Temple Crest Community..........................................16

Liability of Members & Officers....................................................5

Meeting Outline..........................................................................14

Meetings.....................................................................................16

Membership.............................................................................3,14

Membership Committee..............................................................11

Minutes.......................................................................................14

Motions.......................................................................................16

Name of Corporation....................................................................1

Neighborhood Area....................................................................13

Object and Purposes....................................................................1

Officers...................................................................................4,5,8

Organizational Chart.....................................................................9

Parliamentary Procedure............................................................15

Peer to Peer...............................................................................12

Place of Business.........................................................................1

President~~………..~~.......................................................................5,8

Property Ownership....................................................................15

Public Forum...............................................................................15

Publicity Committee....................................................................12

Resident Agent.............................................................................5

Secretary ~~………..~~...................................................................6,8,9

Spokesperson.............................................................................13

Streets Committee......................................................................12

Tax Exempt‑Non‑Profit.................................................................5

Terms Of Office.............................................................................8

Treasurer~~…………~~...................................................................6,8,9

Vice Chairman ~~………..~~...........................................................6,8,9

Voting Members..........................................................................14

AMENDED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

TEMPLE CREST CIVIC , INC.

(Not for profit)

MISSION

We, the residents and property owners, within the Temple Crest Neighborhood, as whose boundaries are set forth in the By-Laws, see the need of a community based Association that will protect the health, welfare, and standard of living of the Temple Crest Community. We are united for the benefit of Community needs and protection of the rights of our residents and property owners, and to present our community as a place where there is harmony, peace, and safety. Our pursuit of life, liberty, and justice, joins us together to promote worthy ideas and goals that will enhance our own lives and those who live, work, attend church, own businesses, or vacation in our community. To maintain and advance the desires of our members, the Association will hold a public forum in our monthly meetings to hear from each person who has a matter for our attention. Through monthly meetings, actions and voting will occur to accomplish the objectives of the community. The Temple Crest Civic , Inc., and its members, as a neighborhood Association, hereby declares our purposes and endeavors:

Article 1

Name: The name of the corporation shall be the TEMPLE CREST CIVIC , INC.

Article 2

Place of business: The principal place of business shall be 4222 Miller Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617.

Article 3

Object and purposes: The object and purposes of this corporation shall be as follows:

(Sec. 1.) To advance the health, safety, and welfare of the residents, property owners, and guests, who may come into the area of our Association's boundary lines;

(Sec. 2.) To maintain and preserve the unique history of the Temple Crest Community, its environment, amenities, and identity;

(Sec.3.) To give the residents and property owners of our community a forum to voice their concerns and problems and to collectively offer ideas and solutions. To promote unity through consensus among our own members and to develop a working partnership and interaction with other agencies, groups, or political subdivisions of the state.

(Sec. 4) To hold monthly meetings by the members and emergency meetings by the Board , to carry out the goals and objectives of the Corporation, the purpose of which is to protect the tranquility and personal welfare of ourselves and our posterity, to support the beautification of Temple Crest, and support the property rights of the residents, property owners, and guests.

(Sec. 5.) To establish, maintain, control, and conduct all kinds of neighborhood improvement and beautification opportunities that will enhance the quality of life of our community. This includes but is not limited to the types of land uses, zoning, streets, highways, public services, housing, and businesses, together with the preservation of the Hillsborough River, and the natural habitat of the Temple Crest Community.

(Sec. 6.) To own and hold property in trust for the benefit of the Community; to receive member dues, donations, gifts, and bequests; to engage in all types and kinds of investments both real and personal, the uses of which shaII ensure the financial stability and purposes of the corporation; to publish and disseminate information concerning the Temple Crest Community, the Civic Association, our activities, and any other cause or mailer the members or the Board may deem necessary in the fulfillment of the corporation's goals and purposes; to hold private all matters concerning the records of the Association, its members, and those activities of the members, as deemed necessary by the Board and as set forth more particularly in the By‑Laws; to influence legislation, political leaders, public employees working for a government agency, or any other private entity on behalf of the goals and objectives of the members of the Temple Crest Civic .

Article 4

Dissolution: This corporation shall exist perpetually unless suspended by law; a majority vote of the members in the last regular called business meeting; or by the last members of the Board.

Article 5

Property: (Sec.1.) For the accomplishment of these goals and objectives, the corporation shall have the power to acquire by purchase, bargain, trade, or otherwise own or receive personal or real property, tangible and intangible, or mixed, as may be necessary to carry out the affairs of the corporation and to use such to the purposes of the corporation as deemed necessary by the members, through their elected Board.

(Sec .2.) The Board , shall, upon special approval by the membership, have power to take, hold, manage, purchase, sell, convey, and otherwise acquire and dispose of the assets of the corporation.

(Sec. 3.) All property shall be in the name of the Temple Crest Civic, Inc., with the President, Vice President, ~~and~~ Secretary, and Treasurer acting as trustees in trust for the membership. Succeeding and replacement members of the these offices, whether elected or appointed shall constitute an appointment and election by the members of the Temple Crest Civic , to transact all business in relation to the assets and property of the corporation, as directed by the members thereof as identified in the By‑Laws.

Article 6

Membership: The members of the corporation shall be the incorporators thereof. Only those residents and property owners within the boundary of the Temple Crest Community as set forth in the By‑Laws, may be voting members of the corporation at our regular meetings. New members are to be received according to the By‑Laws.

Article 7

Officers: (Sec. 1.) The corporation shall be managed by the Board. They shall be elected or appointed as set forth in the By‑Laws. All Officers shall be members of the Board of Directors. The Officers consist of a President, a Vice‑President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer~~, (~~ which are elected by the membership);. The Chairpersons of the standing committees will also be members of the Board. The chairpersons of the standing committees consist of a Finance Chairperson, a Membership Chairperson, and a Publicity Chairperson~~, (~~ which are appointed by the President) Additional members may be elected from the general membership. The President shall recommend to the membership any such additional s and these additional s must be approved by a majority of the voting members present at a regular monthly meeting. The Board of Directors shall conduct all business in and for the corporation as directed by the members and as set forth in the By‑Laws. The quorum of the Board shall be one-half the total number of positions currently filled, one of which must include the President or the Vice President in his absence.

(Sec. 2.) All meetings of the corporation shall be called by the President, except that one third of the voting membership may call (by signed petition) for a special meeting and conduct business in and for the corporation at which meeting a quorum of no less than one third of the entire voting members must be in attendance to transact business.

(Sec. 3.) There shall be three standing committees which shall consist of the Finance Committee, the Membership Committee, and the Publicity Committee, the duties and scope of authority of which are contained in the By‑Laws. Other committees shall be created as deemed necessary by the membership, with election or appointment of the chairpersons as the President may determine in the best interest of the corporation. The chairman shall charge the temporary committees with the scope of their work, purpose, and length of existence. The President and Vice President shall be official members of all committees.

(Sec. 4.) The President shall call all meetings of the Board except that six members of the Board, upon a signed petition may call for an emergency meeting and transact business for the corporation at which a quorum is present. In the event uch a meeting, the Vice‑President shall preside. In the event this is not possible, a President pro‑tem shall be elected from among the remaining Board members to conduct business in and for the Corporation. The signed petition for such specially called meeting shall become an official part of the Association’s minutes.

Article 8

By‑Laws: The board shall make all by‑laws upon the advice and consent of the members. The By‑Laws may be repealed, and or modified by two thirds of these present at a regular monthly meeting of the members. By‑Laws shall become effective immediately upon acceptance by the membership.

Article 9

Liability: The members of this corporation, its board , and or any person acting in and for the corporation under the direction of the members, shall not be individually liable or responsible for the debts of the corporation, and the private property of the said members and s shall be exempt from corporate liabilities.

Article 10

Tax exemption: The corporation is not a registered corporation with the Internal Revenue Service, however, it is a not‑for‑profit organization within the "meaning" of IRS 501(c)3 as a charitable and benevolent organization recognized by the Internal Revenue code. No part of the net proceeds shall ensure to the benefit of any member or member of the board , except that the corporation shall have a right to make reasonable reimbursements and payment for expenses incurred while acting in and for the corporation.

Article 11

Resident agent: The President shall act as the resident agent of the corporation and shall receive all notices and service of process in the State of Florida.

Article 12

Officers: For the purposes of amending the Articles of Incorporation of the Temple Crest Civic , Inc., the undersigned, as the current elected officers of the corporation and upon the direction and majority vote of the members, submit these amended articles to the Secretary tate of the State of Florida:

Laws

TEMPLE CREST CIVIC CLUB, INC.

4222 MILLER AVE.

TAMPA, FLORIDA

33617

BY-LAWS

TEMPLE CREST CIVIC CLUB, INC.

(Not For Profit)

OFFICERS: The Temple Crest Civic Club, Inc. (hereinafter called the Association) shall be managed by the Board of Directors. This board shall consist of the President, the Vice‑President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, three presidential appointed Chairpersons of the three standing Committees, and the three elected s from the general body.

ELECTIONS: A Nominating Committee may be appointed by the President in the month eptember. This Committee shall review the names of all interested and active members for the position of President, Vice‑President, Secretary, and Treasurer. No person shall be considered for President or Vice‑ President who has missed more than three meetings in the previous year. The Nominating Committee shall present their slate of Officers to the general membership in October. At this time, the President shall receive other nominations from the floor. The candidates shall have one month to run for office with final elections to be held at the November meeting and installation at the end of the December meeting at an annual membership drive banquet.

TERMS OF OFFICE: The term of office of the President shall be for two years and he or she may hold successive terms. All other officers shall have terms of one year after which, they may be elected or appointed to successive terms as set forth in the By‑Laws. No person may hold any elective or appointed office who has not held an annual paid membership for one year prior to such election or appointment.

PRESIDENT: The President shall manage the Corporation through the advice and consent of the membership. In the event of resignation or death, the Vice President shall fill the unexpired term of office. The President shall call and chair all general and emergency meetings of this Neighborhood Association. The duties of the President shall be those commonly recognized among neighborhood Associations. The President or the Vice‑President shall be the only media spokespersons of the group. The President or the Vice‑President shall be the only speakers for and on behalf of the group to the City Council, County Commission, or any other regulatory or legislative body affecting the concerns of the membership. The President shall have the power to appoint and dismiss all Committee Chairpersons and shall have the power to appoint and dismiss the Chairpersons of any new committees created by a majority vote of the membership. The President shall co‑sign with the Vice‑President, Secretary or Treasurer any check that must be written against the funds of the Association. The President shall be a permanent member and Chair the Board. The term of office shall be for two years but may be successive if so elected. Three unexcused absences within an annual business year shall be deemed to be a resignation of the President, and the Vice‑President shall succeed to the unexpired term.

VICE PRESIDENT: The Vice‑President shall assist the President in carrying out his responsibilities. The Vice‑President shall assume the chair in the absence of the President. The Vice‑President shall be the spokesperson of the corporation when so directed by the President. At the request of the President he may be the speaker to address the Tampa City Council, the Hillsborough County Commission, or any other regulatory or legislative body, on behalf of the Temple Crest Civic Club's concerns. If necessary, the Vice‑ President may act in the stead of the President as a co‑signer on any check issued by the Treasurer. The Vice‑President shall be a permanent member of the Board. The term of office shall be for one year but may be successive if so elected. Three unexcused absences in an annual business year shall be deemed to be a resignation. The President shall call for an election to fulfill the unexpired term of the Vice‑President.

SECRETARY: The Secretary shall record all actions of the Board and the general membership. These records shall include monthly meetings and shall contain the actions taken and a general description of concerns and comments. The duties shall include passing around a sign‑in sheet and to record the names of the members of the Board members in attendance. The Secretary shall keep all such records private and release them only upon authorization of the majority vote of the Board. When necessary, the Secretary shall be a cosigner on any check issued by the Treasurer. The Secretary shall be a permanent member on the Board. The term of office shall be for one year but may be successive if so elected. Three unexcused absences in the annual business year shall be deemed to be a resignation arid the President shall call for an election to fill the unexpired term.

TREASURER: The Treasure shall receive and disburse all funds of the Association. The duties shall include depositing all monies; accounting of all funds; writing checks or obtaining drafts on the accounts of the Association which must be co‑signed by the President, Vice‑President, or the Secretary; keeping accurate records; making a monthly financial report; and surrendering all records to the President upon resignation or expiration of term. The Treasurer shall act as a Trustee of the real and personal property of the Association. The Treasurer shall sit as a permanent member of the Board. Three unexcused absences shall be cause for dismissal as Treasurer by the President. The term of office shall be for one year but may be successive if so elected. The Treasurer shall certify to the President that those who make motions and vote are paid members. Three unexcused absences in the annual business year shall be deemed to be a resignation and the President shall call for an election to fill the unexpired term.

COMMITTEES: (a.) There shall be three standing committees which shall consist of the Finance Committee, the Membership Committee, and the Publicity Committee. The chairpersons of these committees shall be appointed by the President and shall take office on January 1st of each new year. In the case of an out‑going chairperson, the retiring chairperson shall deliver to the new chairperson all records and materials of the Association in their possession at an annual meeting of the Board , after the installation ceremony of new officers at the last regular meeting of the Association for the year. The above three appointed Committee chairpersons shall hold a permanent seat on the Board. The term of appointed office shall be for one year but may receive a reappointment.

(b.) The President may approve the creation of any new committee(s) as the membership may determine necessary to carry out the affairs of the Association and the needs of the Community. These chairpersons are to be appointed by the President from among those members who have been a paid member for the year previous to the appointment. These chairpersons may not sit on or replace the appointed committee chairpersons on the Board unless there is a resignation and the President so makes an appointment to fill the unexpired term.

(c.) The purpose of all Committees is to gather information, carry out the directives of the President, the Board , and or the general paid membership. Such directives and the scope of purpose of the committee shall be in writing by the President, the progress of which shall be reported by the Chairperson of the Committee, to the general membership, during the "Old Business" part of the monthly business meeting.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: (a.) Shall have the duty to audit the financial records, including the Secretary's books. Such audits must be made at least once each year in December, before the last meeting of the year. A report shall be rendered by February at the regular session following the Treasurer's report.

(b.) The Finance Committee may acquire the services of a certified public accountant upon approval of the Board.

(c.) It shall also be the duty of the Finance Committee to advise the Board on ways and means of financing the through membership dues, fund raising events, or any other method or idea of raising funds.

(d.) The Finance Committee Chairperson shall be a permanent member of the Board. Three unexcused absences shall constitute a resignation and the President shall call for an election to fill the unexpired term.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: (a.) The Membership Committee shall have the duty of expanding the membership of the by personal contact with residents and business owners in the Community. (b.) The Committee members shall sit at the sign‑in table at the monthly meetings and ask for non‑members to join. (c.) The Committee shall introduce new members at the monthly meetings during the time set aside on the agenda for Committee reports. (d.) The Chairperson shall be responsible for issuing Membership Cards, obtaining the signature of the President and Vice‑President in such a quantity as to expedite issuance at monthly meetings. (e.) The Committee shall copy the names of all persons living in the Association Neighborhood from a criss-cross and make them available for the Board. (f)The Committee shall keep records of membership and date of payment of dues. (g.) The Committee shall make and provide members with a copy of the 's Handbook, and update the same from time to time as deemed appropriate by the Board. (h.) The Committee shall make available the 's Handbook to appropriate organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce servicing the area of the Association, libraries and public schools in the area of the Association.

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE: (a.) The Publicity Committee shall be responsible for mailing out the monthly meeting notices to appropriate local media. (b.) The Committee members shall also have the duty of monthly mail-outs to remind members of the meeting. (c.) Should there be any special programs in the Association Neighborhood area, the Committee shall, if necessary, obtain volunteers to pass out leaflets door to door in the Community. (d.) The Committee shall also have the duty from time to time ~~etting three annual~~ soliciting volunteers for work days at the headquarters for the purpose of beautification of the same and giving the Association building good public image in the Community. (e.) All notices, newsletters, or other releases must be approved in advance by the President or, as his appointee, the Vice-President.

PEER TO PEER: (a.) The Peer to Peer Committee shall receive complaints from members and non‑members on conditions of houses, buildings, business, overgrown lots, trash, or any other eyesore or unsafe condition within the area of the Association. (b.) The Committee shall contact the owners of property so affected and ask them to correct the items of complaint. (c.) After reasonable time, the Committee shall contact Code Enforcement of the City of Tampa and make a complaint. (d.) The Committee shalt report all activity during the preceding month to the general membership during the agenda time set aside for Committee reports. (e.) The Committee shall perform other duties as from time to time maybe requested by the Board.

STREETS COMMITTEE: (a.) The Streets Committee shall receive complaints on all streets and ditches in the area of the Association and report any need for attention to the proper government agency. (b.) The duties of the Committee shall also be to gather information on any projects that will affect the Community, such as storm water and drainage improvements; sidewalks; parks; the 40th street bridge, streets, and new or planned street improvements. The Committee shall report such findings to the membership during the agenda time of Committee Reports (c.) The Committee shall seek the approval of the Board and the general membership before taking any action on any matter after findings of fact have been presented to the membership. (d.) The Committee shall act as advisors to the President and the Vice‑President when a matter affecting the duties of the Committee should be brought to the attention of any governmental agency at a public hearing. (c.) As an official member of this Committee, the President or the Vice‑President shall speak at all public meetings on behalf of and its positions on matters identified in (b.) above.

DISMISSAL OF OFFICERS: Any officer may be recalled by one‑third of the qualified paid members of the Association. A new election or appointment shall be held or made within 30 days aid recall. Recall shall be by signed petition and shall contain the reason and cause for the recall. The officer being recalled may be re‑elected or re‑appointed by a majority vote of those paid members present at the meeting for such elections or appointments. In the event of malfeasance, the officer may not be considered for re‑election or re‑appointment.

SPOKESPERSON: The President or the Vice‑President shall be the public spokesperson for the Association at all meetings before government, regulatory and law‑making bodies on behalf of this neighborhood Association. The President, or as his appointee, the Vice‑President, shall be the only spokesperson to the media on behalf of this Association. Any Officer, Chairperson, or Committee Member, who wishes to speak at any meeting before a government agency, shall do so as an individual and not as a representative of this Association. Committee Chairpersons and members may attend public meetings on behalf of the Association, but shall not speak for the Association as a representative unless approved by the membership and the matters presented were before approved by said membership. Any person who disregards this and presents their own views which are contrary to those of the majority vote of the general membership shall be admonished, and or removed from office immediately.

NEIGHBORHOOD AREA: The boundary lines of The Temple Crest Civic neighborhood are as follows: Commencing on the South East corner of 30th Street and Busch Blvd., thence easterly on the South Side of Busch Blvd. to 52nd Street at the boundary of the City of Tampa and Temple Terrace, thence Southerly to the Hillsborough River, thence South Westerly along said river in its meanderings until it intersects with the above mentioned 30th Street, thence Northerly on the East side aid street to Busch Blvd. and the Point of Beginning.

MEMBERSHIP: Only the property owners, permanent residents 18 years or older, owners or managers of businesses, and churches or their pastors located within the above boundaries of the Temple Crest Civic may be members of this neighborhood Association. The President shall cause the Membership Chairperson to issue annual membership cards to all paid members, to be signed by the President, Vice‑President, or the Membership Chairman.

VOTING MEMBERS: Only those members above described who have paid their annual dues may vote on matters before the Association at its regular and emergency called meetings. Only those members who have paid their annual dues may make motions, nominations, or otherwise propose parliamentary actions to be voted upon by those members whose annual dues have been paid.

MEETINGS: The meetings of the Temple Crest Civic shall be called by the President. The regular monthly meeting of the Association shall be on the second Monday of each month at 7:00pm or at a time adopted by majority vote of the present paid members attending any monthly meeting. If the President is unable to call the meeting, the President may delegate to the Vice‑President such authority as he may deem proper to carry out the affairs of the Association. From time to time, it may be necessary for the Board to hold an emergency meeting to handle affairs of the Association. The President, or as his appointee, the Vice‑President shall call all emergency meetings and all business conducted shall be considered acts of the corporation in and for the membership. The minutes of all such meetings shall be reported to the general membership at the next reading of the minutes at the following monthly meeting.

MINUTES: The Secretary or acting Secretary, as the President may appoint, shall keep minutes of the regular and emergency meetings of the Association. The minutes shall consist of the date, time, and place of the members present; condensed details of discussion, election and appointment of officers, the exact wording of all motions and their failure or passage; and any other notes the President shall direct to be recorded. The minutes shall be the property of the Association and in the event of a new incoming Secretary, the minutes shall be delivered to the President at the conclusion of the last meeting of the Association in the month of December. The in‑coming Secretary shall take custody of the minutes prior to the new regular meeting in January. The first duty of the Secretary shall be to read the minutes and inform the President of any unfinished business that will carry into the new year, and any other business that should be of concern to the general membership.

ANNUAL DUES: The annual dues for members in the Association shall be established by majority vote of the present paid members attending any monthly meeting provided that discussion of changing annual dues is undertaken during at least two prior meetings. Dues are due on January 1st of each year and delinquent on February 1st. No member may make motions, nominations, or otherwise engage in parliamentary procedure at any meeting of the Association, unless their dues have been paid no less than two weeks before any monthly meeting. We encourage our members to pay their dues in December so they may participate in the voting matters before the general body at the January meeting.

PUBLIC FORUM: Persons living or working within the membership area, whether dues are current or not, shall have an open and free voice to express their concerns, problems, or offer ideas and solutions, to the general membership, subject only to recognition by the Chair and conduct that becomes an orderly citizen. It shall be the privilege of the Chair to halt any and all public discussion on any subject, by any individual(s), if the content is out of order, or a personal attack occurs verbally or physically upon anyone present at the meetings. Those in attendance are to be reminded by the Chair that only those matters pertaining to the business at hand may be discussed. New concerns, ideas, or solutions, should be presented for that portion of the meetings known as "New Business".

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE: The meetings of the Temple Crest Civic shall be generally guided by normal parliamentary procedure; however, the Chair may be liberal in the administration of Roberts Rules of Order, taking into consideration the business at hand and the seriousness of the matters before the membership and the community.

PROPERTY: All property owned or held in trust by the Association, shall be in the name of the Temple Crest Civic Club, Inc., with the current members of the Board acting as trustees in and for the corporation. The Board shall have the power to conduct all business for the corporation and the paid membership and to purchase, convey, and otherwise dispose of real and personal property of the corporation as deemed necessary in the interest and by the approval of the paid membership. No Officer, , Trustee, or other member of the corporation shall have any equity in title to the real and personal property of the Temple Crest Civic , Inc.

BY‑LAWS: The Board shall propose all amendments to the By‑Laws as they deem necessary in the furtherance of the goals and purposes of the corporation. The By‑Laws must be amended, repealed, or modified by a two-thirds vote of the present paid members attending any monthly meeting and changes shall be effective immediately after acceptance.

MOTIONS: All motions, seconds, and votes must be by a paid member or shall not be recognized by the Chair. Any member may challenge a motion, second, or vote of a person attending a meeting of the Association, and request verification of membership from the Membership Chairperson or Secretary. In the event a challenge is successful, and a participant has been proven not to be a paid member according to the By‑Laws governing membership and voting, the President shall call for order and proceed with the meeting. All motions must have a second, after which the President shall set forth a specified period of time to question and debate the motion (usually ten minutes with one minute for each participant). The President will then call for the vote after restating the motion in the hearing of all. If the President delays the voting after the specified time period has lapsed, any paid member may "call the question" and the President shall end debate and call for a vote on the motion without delay.

MEETING OUTLINE:

1.) Meeting called to order

3.) Pledge of Allegiance

5.) Approval of minutes

6.) Treasurer's report

8.) Committee reports

9.) Unfinished or old business

10.)New business

11.)Adjournment

History Of The Temple Crest Community

Florida was shown on the Cantino map of 1502, one of the earliest maps of the new world. In 1513, Jaun Ponce de Leon (c. 1460‑1521) who had sailed with Columbus on his second voyage, obtained a grant to discover and settle "Bimini" a fabulous island believed to contain the fountain of youth. Soon after the Christian Passover, he came in sight of the coast of Florida, probably near the mouth of the St. Johns river. From the name of the day in the calendar, "Pascua Florida" the peninsula was named Florida. He returned to Spain in 1514 and obtained a grant to colonize the island of Florida. He was appointed adelantado (civil and military governor).

In 1516, another Spaniard, Diego Miruelo arrived on the shores of Florida. In 1528, he was followed by Panfilo de Narvarez, who arrived from Cuba with about 400 men. It is thought that he landed near Egmont Key and explored the bay naming it Bay Santo Espirto (Bay of the Holy Spirit). Many were savagely killed by Indians and some were taken captive. Only four men, one being Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, succeeded in escaping. After eight years of wandering through swamps, suffering exposure, hanger, and disease, they found their way to a Spanish settlement along the coast of Mexico.

Fernando de Soto arrived in Florida and made a partial exploration of the Bay anto Espirto, (Tampa Bay) around 1539‑1540. In 1559 Tristan de Luna came to Florida and explored the west coast and part of Alabama. His fellow explorers abandoned him and he ended his attempt at a permanent settlement in 1561.

During this time a number of Christian Missionaries came to Florida to convert the savages from idol worship and a host of other uncivilized practices. In 1562, Jean Ribaut (circa 1520‑1565), with a band of French Lutherans landed near the St. Johns river. Another band of French Lutherans arrived in 1564 with Rene de Laudonniere (d.c. 1586) and established Fort Caroline at the mouth of the St. Johns river. He was about to leave for home disappointed when Ribaut arrived afresh with about 300 more pioneers. On the same day that Ribaut landed, a Spanish expedition arrived from Spain led by Pedro Menendez de Aviles. A devout Catholic, he determined to hold his own inquisition and destroy the French Lutherans and their little city of Caroline. This he did, killing almost everyone. Ribaut and a few escaped, but were later captured and executed by Aviles. Aviles then founded his own settlement and named it St. Augustine after his patron saint.

In the Treaty of Paris in 1763, Florida was ceded to England in return for Havana, Cuba. A number of British came to Florida bringing with them boat loads of pioneers from other European countries who were seeking a better life. In 1783, Florida was given back to Spain with no religious freedoms promised. Many of the Protestant pioneers fled out of Florida fearing persecution, and went into Georgia and other Eastern seaboard states to the north.

In 1803 the Louisiana purchase was made. Many in Florida feared that Napoleon would seize the territory. They convened a convention at BuhIer's Plains on July 17, 1810 and formulated the plans for a more effective government. The Spanish governor did not accept these plans forcing the citizens to call another convention on September 26. They declared west Florida to be an independent state and petitioned for admission to the union. On October 27, President James Madison, believing that West Florida was ceded to France by Spain, and therefor included in the lands contained in the Louisiana purchase, declared West Florida to be under the jurisdiction of the United States government.

From 1814 to 1819, war between the British, the French, the Spanish, the Seminole Indians, and the Americans continued throughout Florida. In 1819, Spain formally ceded all of Florida to the United States. The treaty was ratified by Congress in 1821 and the United States took formal control in 1822. Florida became a state in 1845.

The population of Florida in 1830 was 34,730; in 1870 it was 187,748; in 1910 it was 742,619. These figures reveal a massive population migration into Florida that continues today at nearly one thousand per day. Most of Florida was owned by the federal government. Land grants were issued to many settlers, and homesteads of 160 acres or larger was common. On May 9, 1885 the United States gave a patent to William Toland, containing the West half of the Southwest quarter and the Southwest quarter of the Northwest quarter of Township 28, Range 19E, Section 28 and other lands, containing 160 acres (GLO Vol. 14, P 24). William Toland died intestate leaving his wife Judith and five children: Stephen P. Toland, William J. Toland, Frances M. Toland, Timothy P. Toland, and Valeriaus Toland.

The property came into the ownership of Frances Toland by a deed dated April 10, 1903, Deed Book 10, Page 165 of Hillsborough County. On October 13, 1914 Frances Toland sold part of the property to Austin J. Conley, Edward E. Fish, and William Klay (Deed Book 217, Page 12). These investors planned to develop DREAM LAND PARK, later to become Temple Crest, into a modern housing subdivision. The subject property was platted and lots were sold. Those who purchased the lots and paid for them in full received warranty deeds on property against which there remained an outstanding mortgage still encumbering their property. Swindlers such as this hurt a lot of early settlers, mandating title searches to be done before a purchase was closed. The investors defaulted on the mortgage and note, and all the purchasers lost their property back to Frances Toland who had also been swindled out of a large sum of money. She foreclosed taking all the property back on May 3, 1920 through her representative S.S. Sanford (Deed Book 295 Page 195).

Florida land purchases by those up north wanting a piece of paradise, sky- rocketed. Poor mailing methods, coupled with out‑of‑state ownership, resulted in taxes going unpaid on many lots in the Temple Crest Community. Tax certificates went unredeemed being worthless. The State of Florida passed in legislature the Murphy Act, to purchase these certificates and sell the properties at auction to the highest bidder. Money was raised and Counties were able to thus fund their governments and services.

On September 12, 1924, Frances Toland sold part of her property again to Florida Realty and Mortgage Company for the sum of $14,000.00. The mortgage she held on this transaction was paid in full on July 8, 1925.

Florida Realty and Mortgage Company re‑named the subdivision Temple Crest. The owners of Florida Realty were W.F. Miller, President, for whom Miller Avenue was named; J.B. Hamner, Vice President, for whom the street from Busch to Jackson Place was named (now called 40th); and J.R. Regnas, Secretary, for whom Regnas street was named.

When Dream Land was purchased and changed into Temple Crest, Florida Realty retained the ownership of all streets and alleys. Each lot owner paid $2.50 each year for the maintenance of the hard surfaced roads. This assessment was to last until Temple Crest became a part of a municipality or 1942 which ever came first. The streets and alleys adjoining the lots in Temple Crest were deeded back to the owners of the lots by the last members of the Board of Florida Realty and Mortgage Company, and the last owner of record. On September 26, 1956 (Deed Book 2003 Pages 159‑ 160) the streets and alleys were deeded to J.B. Hamner, as the last trustee for the dissolved Florida Realty and Mortgage Company. On December 19, 1956, J. B. Hamner, (Deed Book 2005, Page 86) deeded the streets and alleys of the Temple Crest subdivision to the current owners of adjacent lot owners and their heirs and assigns forever. The Temple Crest Community was annexed into the City of Tampa in 1961.

Unofficial Thumb‑Nail History

Of Early Temple Crest

And The Temple Crest Civic Club, Inc.

by J C. Rente

In the Florida boom days of the 1920's this section was visioned as an area for better class homes of the time. The streets were laid out with curves and angles to suit coach‑and‑four transportation supposedly as the ultimate in social travel. Bonds were issued to finance certain improvements and street paving. Then came the "Burst of the Bubble". Payments on bonds were defaulted and taxes went unpaid. Only a few who were financially able to keep up their individual payments were permitted to retain their properties and homes.

Those which were built conformed to the semi‑Spanish style of the time, being mostly stucco covered frame buildings and in their background, setting of trees covered with moss presented a beautiful scene to behold. The assessed taxes and payments on outstanding bonds began to pile up and eventually were in greater amounts than the properties were worth. Then began the stagnation which saw the area deteriorate until there seemed to be no future for this area. Somewhere pressures were brought to bear on the legislature in Tallahassee and what is known as the Murphy Act was passed assuring the bond holders some payment of outstanding paper. Taxes were assumed by the State and a title under the Murphy Act could be had on the real properties.

When the public realized what had happened, interest in this area began to rise. This was slow to make any progress in improvements of permanent buildings for the majority who settled here were of very limited finances. Up to the late forties, when everyone came out here, the few living in the area placed them in one of three categories:

1.) Either they were hunting, as this section abounded in various animals from wild panther to the lowly "gopher", or;

2.) They were lost, or;

3.) They were coming to see you.

Improvements made in the early post War II period were made of whatever materials were available and certain rationing made this very limited. There was no zoning restrictions so no precautions as to fire‑proofing were followed. The birth of the TEMPLE CREST CIVIC , INC., came out of a fire destroying one of these poorly constructed buildings near the corner of Yukon and 37th Street. Here the family suffered total loss of their material possessions.

There was a great spirit of helpfulness as is generally found in any pioneer section and soon by individual giving, this family was partially restored to their former status. From this disaster two ladies, Mrs. Mary Jo Martin and Mrs. W.0. Barnett, had a vision and began to work for a volunteer fire department for this area. First, they started by taking donations and pledges to that end and were getting along nicely when someone came up with the bright idea they were violating the law by asking for financial donations without a legal organization to back them up. This fired up the neighborhood which by this time was rapidly growing in numbers even though limited in capital. Legal aid was solicited and a charter was drawn up with the required number of charter members and sent to Tallahassee and in 1948 the charter was granted to the TEMPLE CREST CIVIC , Inc. Its main purpose was to sponsor a Volunteer Fire Department along with other activities to promote the good and welfare of the area.

Efforts along this line were very successful and a fire truck with water tank and pump equipment were purchased. The young volunteers took training two or three times weekly mostly with the Sulphur Springs Fire Department under Chef Pitts. The volunteers were instructed to be ready for duty call at all hours and many times when they were going to bed laid out their fire clothes and boots beside their bed. Many calls were made as far away as ten miles and at no time did they ever fail to save the lot. Up to this time the only law enforcement, of which minimum was needed, was by the County Sheriffs Department. Sometimes it seemed the County Officials forgot there was an inhabited area out here except when they were candidates and looking for votes. The Civic had the interest and welfare for all living here. It had no taxing or regulatory powers so when an appeal to the Public Officials for what was needed, it was necessary to show the and its members were back of the idea. These appeals were generally well received and we received and enjoyed much assistance.

By the early fifty's the City of Tampa was straining for more territory by annexation even though they couldn't take care of the territory then inside the City limits. They soon found out annexation could not be accomplished by votes so they went to Tallahassee and one morning we woke up ANNEXED. By this action, our volunteer Fire Department was killed and some of our co‑operative spirit was dampened, but the has survived, and at the present time they have a very nice House at 4222 Miller Avenue which is the voting headquarters of the Precinct.

The Northeast section of Tampa now offers the Industrial Park, the University outh Florida, Busch Gardens, a Veterans Hospital, a medical center, and numerous other business. Thousands of homes are now within the area of the Temple Crest Civic Neighborhood Association. The Temple Crest Community is surely one of the most beautiful sections of Tampa and Hillsborough County.

Sincerely,

J.C. Renie