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Touchton Makes History

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: February 10, 2009

TAMPA - Tom Touchton, founding chairman of the Tampa Bay History Center, added a new title Monday as the 2008 Citizen of the Year.

Touchton, who worked 20 years to help create the recently opened facility, was surprised with the recognition from the Tampa Metro Civitan Club at the Governor's Day Luncheon at the Florida State Fair.

"It really is about everyone in this room," he said. "One person didn't get it done."

Touchton said his wife, Lee, was his partner during the long road to getting the museum built.

A Florida native and president of the investment firm Witt-Touchton, he served as the center's chairman for 11 years and then became the chairman of the center's capital campaign.
Center Chairman George Howell said Touchton united government agencies, educational institutions and the private sector to raise money for the $32 million museum. It opened in January. All but $3 million has been raised, Howell said.

"Our honoree has literally made history," Howell said.

In accepting the award before a standing ovation from community leaders, Touchton said his son John told him as he walked to the podium, "Dad, you have $3 million more to raise; do it right now."

Touchton also served as founding president of the St. Joseph's Hospital development board and on the board of trustees of the University of Tampa. He has been honored with the H.L. Culbreath Leadership Award and is king of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

The Citizen of the Year recognition began in 1928, a year after the local Civitan club was founded.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851.

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