First things first. Here’s hoping that everyone had a happy holiday. But even more to the point, and you know which one that is, here’s hoping everyone had a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Probably like a lot of you, I can do without the formulaic, overkill retrospectives with accompanying photos that are media staples this time of the year. In effect: “In case you haven’t thought about it recently, here’s a reminder of all the stuff that went tragically wrong in 2011. Both natural and man-made disasters.”
Thanks.
Having said that, I don’t think it’s inappropriate to recall again that this was the year we lost Tom McEwen, Lee Roy Selmon and Dan Wheldon. That’s because we can still focus more on lives lived, not ended. It’s about gratitude, not just loss.
They all came from someplace else, near and far. McEwen from Wauchula, Selmon from Eufaula, Ok. and Wheldon from Emberton, England. And we were the better for their decision to remain here.
Tribune Sports Editor McEwen worked tirelessly for Tampa, the city he loved. Things we take for granted, such as an NFL franchise and Super Bowls, have his imprint all over them. The word “icon” is used too loosely, but not in Tom McEwen’s case. His legacy, if not prose style, lives on.
Selmon became an NFL Hall of Famer for his outstanding career as a defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then he morphed into a major community asset. Selmon became a successful player in the business community and had a major role in raising both profile and funds for USF. He was the epitome of class and a role model in every arena he competed in.
Wheldon, the IndyCar racer and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, could have lived anywhere. He chose the steadfast lanes of St. Petersburg. He had the look of a dashing, preening Grand Prix driver, but it belied a gracious, affable family man. He was generous with his time and gave back to the community, most notably All Children’s Hospital. He became St. Petersburg’s best-ever ambassador.
While we’re on the subject of those who blessed us with their presence, let’s not overlook those we are fortunate to still have with us. Given the Christmas holiday, they could be our own Three Wise Men. Individuals who are as savvy about the quality-of-life needs of this community as they are generous with their time, talent and wealth. They are Frank Morsani, David Straz and Jeff Vinik.
The name Morsani is synonymous with a certain hall at the Straz Center for Performing Arts and will soon have a similar association with USF’s College of Medicine, where the “medical school of the future” is scheduled to break ground in 2012. Morsani’s standards of excellence are underscored in his mantra: “Being good enough is not good enough.” Both he and his wife Carol always have time for a good cause, and you always catch them in a good mood.
Straz’s eight-figure gift to the eponymous Center for Performing Arts and generosity to the Lowry Park Zoo and the University of Tampa are only his highest profile contributions. He also gives of his time–chairing numerous boards, including Tampa General Hospital and UT. He’s also on-call at City Hall for his business acumen.
Vinik basically saved the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise. He bought it for cash. Then he committed to help out the community at large. He dug deep for the $40-million makeover of the St. Pete Times forum. Vinik also has proven to be a major supporter of the arts and charities throughout the area. He has been here less than two years, and he’s already invaluable.
And while we’re waxing thankful, let’s not forget the stewardship of Mayor Pam Iorio, who stepped down in April. She didn’t let the great recession deter her from her priorities.