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County may change award's name

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 15, 2009

TAMPA - Hillsborough County commissioners today will discuss dropping conservative activist Ralph Hughes' name from the county's Moral Courage Award. .

Commissioner Rose Ferlita put the controversial issue on the agenda for discussion weeks after the federal government said Hughes died owing $69 million in unpaid taxes.

Ferlita told the Tribune on Tuesday that Hughes' son Shea has sent a letter to the commissioners asking that his father's name be removed from the award.

Commissioners renamed the Moral Courage Award for Hughes in September despite opposition from a number of speakers, including former award winners. The award is given annually to citizens who challenge government.

Hughes died at age 77 on June 27, 2008. Ferlita and Mark Sharpe were the only commissioners who voted against renaming the award for Hughes, who became a millionaire in the concrete casting business.

Mike Salinero

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