Under a state House measure, part of U.S. 301 would be called Capt. Charles "Bo" Harrison Memorial Highway.
By SAUNDRA AMRHEIN
Published June 17, 2003
So that future generations never forget the man much of Pasco County now mourns, a state legislator introduced a bill Monday that would rename U.S. 301 in this county Capt. Charles "Bo" Harrison Memorial Highway.
Republican state Rep. Heather Fiorentino of New Port Richey said she thought about the renaming of the highway before attending Harrison's funeral more than a week ago but wanted to wait to talk to the family about it after the ceremony.
Harrison, who was two weeks from retiring from a 30-year career with the Sheriff's Office, was shot in the back and killed June 1 while sitting in his patrol car across U.S. 301 from Rumors nightclub in Lacoochee.
Harrison's rank was lieutenant at the time of his death, but Fiorentino said she chose to put captain on the bill because he would have been promoted to a higher rank upon retiring.
The House bill was introduced Monday and will be voted upon before the end of the special session this week, Fiorentino said. The Pasco legislative delegation is on board, she added, and her Senate counterparts are expected to introduce the bill in that chamber on Wednesday.
"Capt. Harrison, as you could see through the funeral, was loved by all," Fiorentino said by phone Monday from Tallahassee. "We wanted to do something the family appreciated and to honor a great man. . . . This is one way, when people do look at the sign, to remember Bo Harrison and all he gave back to the community."
Sandy Harrison, the oldest of his three children, said the family was honored by the proposed legislation. Harrison grew up in Dade City and spent most of his adult life there.
"It is a grand gesture," she said. "I know right now it's hard to forget about my daddy. But in time, like everything else, it passes over."
The renaming of the highway will help future generations remember his sacrifice, Harrison said.
"I want him to be remembered for the good deeds and kind actions."
