There was a big drive-by parade on May 23 in Dade City, to honor Stanley Burnside on his 100th birthday.
Those gathered were there to celebrate the century-mark of a man who served as the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller. Both he and his father held that post. They served a combined 68 years — for a total of 17 consecutive terms.
Stanley Burnside’s life spanned a century in history ranging from Model-T Fords to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was just 7 when he saw men lay down the bricks on 12th Street to the Dade City Grammar School, now known as Rodney B. Cox Elementary School.
In 1937, he marched with the graduates of Pasco High School.
He was in the Army Air Forces during World War II — serving in the jungles of New Guinea and in the Philippines, on the Island of Corregidor.
He was a family man. He had three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He worked as an accountant for James Emmitt Evans, giving him a front-row view into the makings of one of the largest bulk orange juice concentrate distributors in Florida’s history.
He coached Little League, too.
Over the span of 100 years, he left a huge imprint, evidenced through 200 tributes to him, posted on Facebook.
Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .
Published June 03, 2020
