by Joe Potter
James Irvin Civic Center slated for improvement or replacement. Dade City commissioners gave tentative approval on June 23 for a Design Build contract with SEMCO Construction Inc. of Bartow, Florida, to oversee the James Irvin Civic Center project. SEMCO was one of two bidders responding to a May 21 call for proposals for work on the historic center at 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd. City Manager Merieke vanErven and City Attorney Patrick Brackins will draft the contract, with SEMCO’s proposal including a Guaranteed Maximum Price, the exact figure to be determined once the contract is submitted for commission review and approval.
Constructed in 1963, the Civic Center has long been the subject of discussions about modernization or replacement. Any new structure would retain the James Irvin name. The current facility serves as a neighborhood gathering space within Naomi Jones Pyracantha Park. James Irvin was a devoted member of the Dade City community who attended Moore-Mickens as a youth. He was renowned for his honesty, mentorship of young men, and service as a church deacon, Little League coach, and official (including a 1977 international game between Taiwan and Canada).
In addition to owning Main Street Cleaners—one of Dade City’s oldest businesses—Irvin volunteered with the Pasco Public Schools Foundation, the Community Alliance of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts, and the city’s Historical Preservation Advisory Board. Born August 8, 1909, in Baconton, Georgia, he died October 31, 1993, in Dade City at age 83. He is buried in Indian Pond Cemetery.
Other business conducted Tuesday: • The Commission recognized Jean Ward and Laura Beagles for their service on the Historic Board, and Davis Henley for his work on the Planning Board. • Several city employees were honored for long service: Blane McCullough (20 years); Capt. Lorenzo Moreno (20 years); Griselle Pizarro Morales (10 years); Capt. Robert Tungate (10 years); and Tina Mauriello, Evis Bushi, and Mark Frier (5 years each). • The Commission approved an Amended and Restated Lease with the Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum for use of the Train Depot and Visitors Center, clarifying each building’s designated purpose. ♥
