Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary leader and pillar of the St. Petersburg community, Mr. Thomas “Jet” Jackson, this Black History Month. I am proud to pay tribute to African American men and women who exemplify the spirit of altruism and selfless service.

Mr. Jackson was recently recognized for his 50-year career of service to the St. Petersburg Department of Parks and Recreation and to the greater Pinellas County community. Mr. Jackson began his career at a young age serving as a lifeguard at Demens Landing Park at a time when African- Americans were not even permitted to enter Spa Beach.

Mr. Jackson is a staple in the Tampa Bay community. After more than a half a century breaking down the walls of segregation to foster an equitable playing field in the St. Petersburg Department of Parks and Recreation, Mr. Jackson was recently honored at the Sunshine Center as an African-American pioneer. Early in his career, Mr. Jackson served as the Supervisor for Wildwood Recreation Center. Now, that same recreation center, located at 1000 28th St. S in St. Petersburg, is officially named the Thomas “Jet” Jackson Recreation Center in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the Parks and Recreation Department and families and neighbors it served. Similar to the great man it is named; the Center will provide extensive opportunities for youth with before and after-school services and summer camps, as well as teen programs.

Regarded for his forthright demeanor, his colleagues know Mr. Jackson is not only the one to set them straight, but is the first one by their side when they face tough times. It is this dedication to others that made Mr. Jackson a beloved leader in the Department of Parks and Recreation. There are many accounts of children in St. Petersburg that felt as though their difficult upbringing precluded them from success, but Mr. Jackson’s support and words of encouragement made them determined to succeed.

Mr. Jackson was widely known to help parents enroll their children in Parks and Recreation programs that had filled up, making sure that every child had a place to participate and thrive. Mr. Jackson is the epitome of a public servant and never stopped being an extraordinary example for youngsters in the community.

Nicknamed “Jet” at an early age for his speed, Mr. Jackson will also be thought of for his patience in the face of adversity. Coming of age in era of segregation, Mr. Jackson acted with dignity and grace, showing respect to everyone around him even if he was not afforded that same respect. Mr. Speaker, I join the Tampa Bay community in honoring Mr. Thomas “Jet” Jackson for his long commitment to bettering the lives of those around him.