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Remembering philanthropist Bill Edwards
The City of St. Petersburg lost a giant Thursday. Businessman and philanthropist Bill Edwards has died at 81. FOX 13's Briona Arradondo reports.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - St. Petersburg is mourning the loss of businessman and philanthropist Bill Edwards, who died Thursday at the age of 81, according to local officials and community leaders.
Community impact
What we know:
Edwards helped shape several iconic landmarks in St. Petersburg, including the Mahaffey Theater, the Sundial, and Treasure Island Yacht Club.
He was also an owner of the Tampa Bay Rowdies from 2013 to 2015 and renovated Al Lang Stadium.
Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker said he first met Edwards during the redevelopment of the Midtown community, where he wrote a $250,000 check to build a recording studio at the Royal Theater for the Boys and Girls Club.
"He had a passion for making things better. I think he really did, and he showed that in different ways in the city," said Baker.
Courtesy: Terri L. Hall
Edwards created the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts in 2011, a St. Pete nonprofit dedicated to connecting children with performing arts through culturally diverse programming. He previously ran his own recording studio, Big3 Entertainment, as well.
Behind the scenes
What they're saying:
Edwards was a Marine Corps veteran who earned a Purple Heart for serving in the Vietnam War.
He frequently used his personal resources to help with various projects and causes in the community, including help for injured veterans and a $6.5 million donation to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
Courtesy: Terri L. Hall
Lance Rodgers, a board member at the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts, said Edwards was a self-made man who never held back his vision.
Baker noted Edwards quietly handed $100 bills to restaurant workers who were working hard.
Mayor Ken Welch said in a statement that the city is better because of his work and legacy.
Unanswered questions
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet released details regarding cause of death or public memorial services.
It remains unclear who will take over leadership roles across his various foundations and arts initiatives.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered by FOX13’s Briona Arradondo through interviews with former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts board member Lance Rodgers, State Rep. Lindsay Cross and a statement from St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch.