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Carlton Lewis

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: "A Conversation With..." is an occasional feature offering the thoughts and opinions of people across northwest Hillsborough County.

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Carlton Lewis gives to the community because he wants to. Not because he's obligated, not because he feels guilty. He just loves helping people.

Lewis' contributions date to 1989 when he first moved to Town 'N Country. He has joined numerous community and county organizations, including the Town 'N Country Alliance - he's one of its oldest members - the African American Chamber, the Timberlane Civic Association and the Coalition for Responsible Growth.

He has worked with children as a specialist at the Haven W. Poe Runaway Center for the past seven years. He works the graveyard shift from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and councils the 13- to 17-year-olds when they're having a rough night, then wakes them up and sends them to school.

"I'm there as a night parent to set an example for them," he said. "We gotta fix them now before they go wrong. Kids are so creative, I can't imagine if we don't teach them right. You gotta give them choices, gotta give them boundaries and limitations."

After work he makes time to attend one to four community meetings because he wants to. His contributions to children and the community led staff members from the Florida Institute for Community Studies to nominate him for the Local Hero award through Bank of America's Neighborhood Builders program. He won, and in conjunction won the Institute a $5,000 donation.

He will be honored during a ceremony Thursday at the Tampa Theatre.

What makes Town 'N Country special?

Its diversity. Social, economically, ethnically, racially, educationally. The full gamut.

How long have you lived in Town 'N Country?

Since 1989. I was on active duty with the military. I bought a home in Timberlane in my last tour of duty before I retired with a rank of sergeant first class. I served 20 years as a communications security specialist for the Army Military Intelligence.

How has the community changed?

It's gone from a Joe Sixpack kind of town; it's grown some that people are now more business-minded. The community filled out and expanded and continues to grow. With that growth comes the heavy traffic; with growth you get an increase of everything you have. There's no more country in Town 'N Country. You can find a few cows. It's more of a suburb. I think it's become a destination.

How did you feel when you heard the Florida Institute for Community Studies staff nominated you for the Local Hero award through Bank of America's Neighborhood Builders program? And that you won?

Nothing particular because I don't think I'm a hero. Those are just words. A hero is somebody who puts their life on the line, takes a risk. Not in the same line as a fireman or a police officer. I just went along with it because it makes other people feel good. I get great pleasure from helping others. That is the reward. I'm going to do it regardless of whether you recognize it or not. I just thank the people in the community for allowing me to do as much as I do. You want to play. You want to be part of the team. That's what I am. I'm glad they let me play.

How have you worked with the Florida Institute for Community Studies?

I've been working with them since they came out here. I donate time. I painted the buildings. I teach AIDS classes.

Why is it important to give time there?

You're not going to be young and beautiful all your life, and as you grow older, somebody's going to step up. We have to train the next generation. I think somebody has to be watchful of what we do. You prepare the next generation, and that's how the community survives. It's very important to train the youth and give them the tools they need to survive.

Why have you dedicated your time to contributing to the community?

It makes me feel good. That's basically it. If I didn't feel good about it I would not be doing it at all. I love helping people.

What has been your proudest accomplishment in the community?

I'm really proud of the YMCA Northwest Hillsborough Family YMCA at 8950 W. Waters Ave.. Getting it built there and my partnership with the county. My name is on the wall on a metal plate. My name is engraved in that. That's my building. My name is on it.

In what areas can the club get better?

My feeling is you can always do better. We don't actively recruit. Usually it's on a one-to-one basis, but it would be nice to see the club grow. We can always use more helping hands, and fresh ideas are always good.

Reporter Angela Delgado can be reached at (813) 865-1501 or adelgado@tampatrib.com.

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