City agrees to support DAR grant for Veterans Memorial Park improvements

The Zephyrhills City Council voted unanimously July 28 to support a Daughters of the American Revolution application for a Florida Department of State grant to add memorial benches, interpretive signage and a permanent masonry burn pit for retiring U.S. flags at Veterans Memorial Park. The council also agreed to help coordinate city staff assistance on siting and budget sketches needed for the application.

Marie Wunderlich, regent of the Zephyrhills Daughters of the American Revolution Ekabuk Sasa chapter, told the council the group plans to ask the state for $40,000 to fund eight branch-specific benches, educational signage about Revolutionary War–era history and a masonry burning pit so the public may surrender flags for proper retirement ceremonies. “We would like to have signage educating the public … an educational experience, but devoted to the history of our veterans service,” Wunderlich said. She told the council the department’s grant window opened last Thursday and closes Aug. 6.

Council members and staff discussed practical next steps after the short deadline. City Manager Billy Poe said staff could help develop a sketch and budget and coordinate with the Community Redevelopment Agency plan for parks to ensure the elements fit upcoming park work. Shane LeBlanc, the city’s public works director, and Gail Hamilton (CRA director) were identified as staff contacts to assist with siting and design.

The council moved, seconded and approved the request. The motion, recorded as passed unanimously, authorizes staff to work with the DAR chapter and provide a letter of support so the group can complete the grant application before the Aug. 6 deadline.

The action does not commit the city to construction funding beyond providing staff assistance and a letter of support; council members said a more detailed plan and cost estimate would follow if the grant is awarded.

Council members and staff suggested the DAR coordinate with public works and the CRA before finalizing designs to ensure compatibility with planned park improvements.

The DAR regent and city staff will exchange contact information so the grant application can proceed immediately.