(Brooksville, FL) – At the October 24, 2023 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, the BOCC voted to rename Kennedy Park located at 899 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601 to Coach Lorenzo Hamilton Sr. Park. The BOCC chose to rename this park to honor the life of Coach Lorenzo Hamilton Sr. and the impact he had on the community. Hernando County Government will be hosting a ceremony on February 3, 2024, at 11am to unveil brand new signage displayed at the park. The public is welcome to attend.
More about the life of Lorenzo Hamilton Sr.:
Mr. Lorenzo Hamilton first came to Brooksville in 1965, during a time when there was no integration in the school system. The black students attended Moton High School and the white students attended Hernando High School. After integration was completed, he transferred to Hernando High School and eventually became Assistant Principal. Mr. Lorenzo Hamilton served in many pivotal roles during his time within the educational system. He served as a football coach and Physical Education teacher in 1966. He founded Kennedy Park Little League to give African American boys in Brooksville a chance to play organized baseball. He also formed the Brooksville Jets Girls softball team, which went on to win a State Championship. Mr. Lorenzo Hamilton helped students attain scholarships, and study for college entrance exams. Mr. Hamilton coordinated the first Black History assembly at Hernando High School in 1971.
“To sum it up, he went beyond the call of duty,” mentioned Jeff Rogers, County Administrator. “Mr. Lorenzo Hamilton has established himself as a major contributor to the lives and education of many community members in Brooksville and Hernando County.”
