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USF area group hails dentist, politicians

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: October 21, 2009

UNIVERSITY AREA - A pediatric dentist who has worked to help improve the lives of families in the area west of the University of South Florida took top honors at an Oct. 13 dinner.

The USF Area Community Civic Association also paid tribute to a state senator who serves as president of the association, a county commissioner, the county administrator, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and others from law enforcement, social services, faith-based organizations and businesses.

James McIlwain won the prestigious Tower of Achievement Award, given in recognition of least a decade of service to the redeveloping community, once known as Suitcase City. He was honored as a founding member of the University Area Development Corp. and for his 12 years of service to the board.
McIlwain said the board and others "are not finished, but the work we have accomplished is amazing."

State Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by University Baptist pastor Don Grantham, who is first vice president of the association.

Calling Crist "our champion, our friend," Grantham said the state senator has given "29 years of unwavering commitment as the driving force" for redevelopment, leading to a community center, sheriff's station, schools, a health center and a social services center. Crist also accepted awards from the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Organization for the Protection of Children's Rights.

Crist, who will leave office in 2010 because of term limits, plans to run for the Hillsborough County Commission.

Current Commissioner Jim Norman, who has announced his bid for Crist's Senate seat, was honored with the Visionary Award. He shared it with County Administrator Pat Bean, who has come under fire recently for giving herself a 1 percent raise in a time of layoffs and cutbacks. She is returning the raise.

"We've been like a triangle for 20 years. Each of us has been a point to bring it all together," Crist said.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Derrick Brooks won the Barbara Muller Education Excellence Award for his work in helping create Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School. Former Bucs kicker Martin Gramatica presented the award to Brooks.

Former Buc Ryan Nece and current Buc Jermaine Phillips also were recognized for work in the area, receiving the Community Spirit Award.

The association's 20th anniversary celebration drew almost 1,000 civic association members and supporters, including Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp. The guests filled the gymnasium and three other rooms, where they watched the presentations on big-screen televisions.

"We are just one big happy family - in four rooms," Crist joked.

Tribune correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 259-7662.

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