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City set to rename East Tampa park for pioneering educator

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 20, 2009

TAMPA - Those who knew him say Alfred Lee Barnes Jr. never gave up on children.

One of Hillsborough County's pioneering black educators, Barnes influenced thousands of public school students over the years, including Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio.

Barnes died last year from an apparent heart attack. He was 69.

As part of an effort to memorialize Barnes' contributions to the Bay area, the city plans to rename 18th Avenue Park for him. The park is at 2902 N. 32nd Ave. in East Tampa.

The Tampa City Council is expected to vote on the proposal at its next regular meeting.

Barnes, who born in West Tampa and grew up in the North Boulevard Homes, retired from the school district in 2000 after nearly 40 years.

In 1965, he became one of the first five black teachers transferred to an all-white school, Riverhills Elementary. He later became the first black head football coach at a predominantly white school, Hillsborough High School. In January 1976, he became Plant High's human resources specialist, working with students at risk of failing.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

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