The Temple Terrace Bat Tower was a point of pride for residents of this small city for over 50 years. The tower was built in 1924 and was an avant garde landmark that was also environmentally friendly. The bat tower was well known to residents and tourists alike, but after the great depression it fell into disrepair.
In 1979, the tower was burned down by unknown arsonists and since then has sat in desolation on the banks of the Hillsborough River. However, many residents have recently taken it upon themselves to try and restore this once cherished landmark.
The bat tower was built to house the native bats of Temple Terrace to try and quell the problem of rampant mosquitos, which caused malaria. The tower was built by developers in the city and was modeled after the plans of Dr. Charles Campbell. Dr. Campbell was well known as an early pioneer in the study of bats.
It is unknown whether or not the bat tower was home to the native bats, mainly because of the condition of the tower was so poor. Further research has been hindered since the tower succumbed to a devastating fire.
There are three other bat towers in America, one in Sugarloaf Key, Florida and two in Texas. Those towers are also based on the designs of Dr. Campbell. The Sugarloaf Key Bat Tower also has no evidence of bats roosting inside. However, the Texas towers have been reconfigured and now house thousands of bats.
The current reconstruction cost of the Temple Terrace Bat Tower is estimated at $65,000 and the project has been off and on for years. Advocates for the reconstruction agree that it will restore city pride and reduce the use of pesticides by the city. The new tower would also provide a home for many native bats and possibly attract tourism. However, some residents think it to be a waste of time and money, mainly because there was no evidence bats ever lived in the original tower.
Usefulness aside, the Temple Terrace bat tower stood as a pillar of pride for residents for over 50 years. The restoration of the tower is on many people’s minds and it is evident as you drive through Temple Terrace. Many houses have signs in their yard supporting the cause. Donations can be made to the city of Temple Terrace.
colleen crowley • Oct 13, 2013 at 4:04 pm
I have been a resident of Temple Terrace for 16 years now. I always love walking my dogs at night and seeing the bats fly through my neighborhood. I think it is such a cool think to have bats in our area. Not only do the bats help fight off pesky mosquitos but they are such a cool native animal. I am definitely a supporter of the rebuilding of the bat tower! I think spraying mass amounts of pesticides into the air to kill mosquitos is unhealthy and dangerous to the environment. Why not help a promote a healthier way to get rid of those mosquitos and lower the chances of spreading malaria. Bringing tourists to the area to come see they bat tour will help to pay it off and if we get enough people to support the cause we can reduce the amount of money the city has to use to rebuild it.
Mozell Cottongim • Mar 16, 2012 at 4:17 am
We are planning our getaway so for us this is really interesting.
mikeman22 • Mar 13, 2012 at 11:56 am
Good article, cool information.