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Nebraska Avenue's renaming: If not for Ray Charles, then who?

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published March 11, 2005

Ray Charles and Jamie Foxx, the actor who portrayed him in the critically acclaimed movie, were saluted at several recent award shows.

Yet the chances of Tampa saluting Charles by renaming Nebraska Avenue after the singer may be waning.

Months after receiving more than 300 letters of support for the name change, Mayor Pam Iorio has received a petition with 200 signatures opposed to the change.

Iorio said Wednesday nothing can happen before the city completes a new ordinance about changing street names. Under the new rules, any street name changes would have to go to the council. If the council initially approves Ray Charles Boulevard, the city would convene a public hearing.

Such a meeting is likely to be heated because there appears to be no shortage of opinions. While many people favor the change because it would eliminate the negative connotations associated with Nebraska Avenue, some residents and business owners in the area prefer the status quo.

Beverly Morrow, president of the Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association, would rather focus on cleaning up the street's problems than changing the name. She believes the Nebraska name has historical importance.

Another faction wants a name change but not Ray Charles Boulevard. Some question Charles' connection to the street and the community - noting that he lived here only a few years and that his residence was on Central Avenue. Others are troubled by the fact he had a drug addiction, even though his ability to overcome that addiction mirrors Nebraska's struggle to overcome its past problems.

Several names with more local roots have been suggested, as have names that reflect recent efforts to rid the street and bordering neighborhoods of prostitution and drugs. Legacy Boulevard, Reclamation Boulevard and Gateway Boulevard (because it's a gateway from northern Tampa to downtown) all have been suggested.

Legacy may be the most popular choice because it reflects the efforts of the residents and honors all of the people who have contributed to the city's history, not just an entertainer or politician.

If Charles is not the right person, or if a more symbolic name is chosen, I won't argue. But I'll continue to believe some kind of name change is necessary. Even if the neighbors are successful in ridding the street of problems, in my mind the name Nebraska always will hark back to the old problems. That's not a legacy this city needs.

I also can't validate the argument that it would be too costly for business owners to change stationery or business cards. An inconvenience? Yes, but a worthy one.

Changing the name would only be cosmetic, but I find the possibility refreshing because I'm convinced the change would be backed by ongoing efforts of the police and well-meaning residents.

And while changing the name is by no means a final solution, it could only serve to help.

In the grand scheme of things, however, what I think doesn't really matter. Heck, I work in Tampa and live in Seffner. It's the people living in neighborhoods bordering Nebraska who deserve to have the biggest voice in this debate.

The race to replace Hillsborough Commissioner Thomas Scott is growing more interesting. City Council member Kevin White and county social services worker Bernadine White-King, Kevin's aunt, already have entered the race.

Now word on the grapevine is that insurance agent and Republican Ken Anthony is contemplating a run. Anthony has been a quiet but visible force in the community, working hard behind the scenes for the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs and the Black Heritage Festival.

If he were to run, he could call upon volunteers familiar with his organizational skills, and, as a Republican, he could expect to do well in fundraising.

Although Scott's District 3 seat is heavily Democratic, the primary winner could face a serious challenge from Anthony.

That's all I'm saying.

Ernest Hooper can be reached at 813 226-3406 or Hooper@sptimes.com

[Last modified March 11, 2005, 01:22:10]