Summary
To: Town Commission
From: Cathy DeKarz, Management Analyst
Date: 9/3/2019
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Subject:
Title
Discussion for Honoring Gloria Burton
Summary:
At August 20 meeting, the Commission wished to have a future discussion regarding ways to honor long-time Belleair resident and community activity, Gloria Spiner Burton. Ms. Burton passed away earlier this month at the age of 92. Possible ideas include a memorial tree, pavers placed in her honor, a bench, road name, park name, facility or room naming and creating a Belleair Honor wall.
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Body
Previous Commission Action: N/A
Background/Problem Discussion: On Sunday, August 4, long-time Belleair resident and community leader Gloria Spiner Burton passed away at Morton Plant Hospital. During her time in Belleair, Ms. Burton made an immense impact on our town and she will be dearly missed. Below is an excerpt from Ms. Burton's biographical sketch that was a part of her contribution to Belleair's 2018 Historic Survey Project.
Ms. Gloria Spiner Burton has been a resident of Belleair since 1957, and has lived on Pinellas Road, Poinsettia Road, and Laurie Lane over the years. She has been deeply involved with the development of our Town since her arrival, and is living proof that passionate citizens can make an impact on their government.
Ms. Burton has a background in accounting, having received her degree while attending college in Tampa. After receiving her degree, Ms. Burton married Mr. Spiner (her first husband), and began raising three daughters in Tampa. However, Ms. Burton said she was "never really happy" in Tampa, and she convinced her husband to move the family to Belleair in the 50s.
Upon her arrival in Belleair, Ms. Burton was recruited by her neighbors to become a member of the (former) Belleair Civic Association, where she helped sell cigarettes to residents as a fundraiser for the Town. She later served as the Vice President of th...
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