Community leader Watson L. Haynes dies
For more than 50 years, Rev. Watson L. Haynes II served St. Petersburg as a city leader and community activist. The longtime president and CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League died Saturday at age 68, after a battle with cancer.
A native of St. Petersburg, Haynes grew up in the former Gas Plant District, the current site of Tropicana Field. An associate pastor at New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Haynes sat on the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District under Gov. Jeb Bush, and was appointed to the Florida Commission on Human Rights by both Charlie Crist and Rick Scott.
Mayor Ken Welch called Haynes’ voice “universally respected.”
In a statement, Welch said: “St Petersburg has lost a giant with the passing of Watson Haynes. For decades, he has been a faith, business, political and civil rights leader. Watson was a counselor, advisor, peacemaker and bridge-builder.
“He has improved the lives of many, and helped shape a path for shared progress in St. Petersburg. We are forever thankful for his lifelong example of principled leadership.”
“Losing Watson is a huge loss for the City of St. Petersburg,” former mayor Rick Kriseman said. “He was a giant of a man who had a huge impact on his community. Everything that Watson was about, was about the community – for him, nothing was ever about Watson. His work with the Urban League, and the African-American community, was monumental.
“He’s one of these guys that it’s just hard to think of the city without him being a part of it.”
In a 2018 Catalyst interview, Haynes explained his work ethic: “I’ve always worked, since I was 14 years old. I knew that if I was not in Pinellas County, I would not be doing as many hours as I do. That’s because you don’t have to worry when it’s somewhere else, but I’ve learned that whatever the challenge was, it didn’t become a challenge to me. It was just something to conquer and move forward on.”
A spokesman for the family said that plans to honor Rev. Haynes’ legacy would be announced soon.
Alan H DeLisle
August 22, 2022at8:18 am
I am so sorry to hear this news. I remember when I worked in Louisville meeting Muhammad Ali. He looked deep into my soul. I felt the same way about Reverend Haynes.
And he understood the true essence of economic development and job creation. I listened and learned from him each time. God bless.
Valerie Fulbright
August 21, 2022at10:22 pm
Rev. Haynes was a leader that was able to influence by listening to understand. His passion for God, Family, and the Community was unmeasurable. He had a way of making a way and time to engage with anyone equally in a warm and impactful way. To know him was to love and respect him. You will be remembered alway Rev. Watson Hayes.
Valerie Williams
August 21, 2022at4:40 pm
Rev. Watson Haynes was a principled man of balance: God, community, politics and activism. He used these disciplines to make sound and just decisions to benefit all. A kind and sweet disposition. He had the ability to level the playing field to achieve positive outcomes. Thank you for your service, Rev. Watson L. Haynes, Jr.
Edie Ross Bond
August 21, 2022at2:53 pm
Please post any memorial service. Just recently had a lovely visit with him at our class reunion. The world just lost a beautiful person. My condolences to his family and friends.
Martin Tadlock
August 21, 2022at2:02 pm
Reverend Haynes and I had lunch on my last day in St. Petersburg. He was truly a friend and mentor for me during my time as chancellor at USF Saint Petersburg. Walk with God my friend.
Imogene Jordan
August 21, 2022at12:36 pm
The Man Of God Rev Watson Haynes was true to God and his Community. He extended Love to All. I shall truly miss that loving Smile.
Carl Lavender
August 21, 2022at11:52 am
The Rev Dr Watson Haynes was a person of great Faith. He embodied what it should mean to be a statesman and a man who walks with God. I shall surely miss him.