The Significance of People and Preservation
Although they serve different communities with differing cultural belief systems, both the THPO and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) share very similar preservation-centric goals. Florida is a very long state, and the relationship between the SHPO (in Tallahassee) and the THPO (in Big Cypress) presents a challenge to employees of both offices with little opportunity for interaction. Nevertheless, the similarity in mission and cooperative personnel have resulted in a fruitful relationship between the two institutions. This is not to say that culturally mandated project–based disagreements don’t exist. However, staff at both offices demonstrate the cultural and professional respect necessary to work well with one another. Opportunities to collaborate on projects of mutual interest have strengthened this relationship, and we have found much common ground. A view from outside the THPO is always welcome as we learn from one another.