Bill Kennedy to be honored with promenade

A longtime public servant to his hometown, who passed away in December, will be honored Monday morning with the promenade at the lighthouse being dedicated in his honor.

At a ceremony commencing at 11 a.m. EST, the promenade will be dedicated to honor of William “Bill” Kennedy, who died at age 60 on Dec. 15, 2020.

“If you really knew Bill, you knew he loved his hometown,” said Mayor Rex Buzzett. “He put his heart and soul in every project he did, even when others were against him.”

Kennedy worked in the food and the food and pharmaceutical industry for many years before deciding he wanted to return to his roots.

“He didn’t just want to come home, he said he wanted to ‘make a difference’ in his little hometown,” said Buzzett.

In addition to serving as city commissioner, and directing the Downtown Redevelopment Agency, Kennedy was the visionary, developer, and an owner of Port Cottages.

In addition, he either created, or was involved in, a long list of projects and causes, including Frank Pate Park, the city boat ramp and fish cleaning station, various county ramps and parks, the original marina, Port City Trail, Sixteenth Street Park, Buck Griffin Lake, Core Park Pond and Baltzell Pond, baseball and soccer fields, parks and tennis courts, WindMark and other subdivisions, Stac (St. Joe Teen Activity Center) House, Cape Palms Park, artificial reefs, Maddox House, Core Park, Lighthouse Gift Shop/Keeper’s Quarters renovations, Lighthouse Beach, Lighthouse Promenade, and the Port St. Joe Arch.

He spearheaded the Let There Be Lights committee, which led to the lighting of the Beacon of Hope, work on Reid Avenue, which included his last project, the avenue’s public restrooms.

In addition to work projects, he dedicated his personal time as well, coaching Little League football, baseball, and youth soccer for many years. He served at church and helped Pastor Mac’s vision of The Sails come to fruition. He coordinated fundraising efforts for many organizations and people in need.

With the dedication of the promenade, Bill will continue “lighting the way” in Port St. Joe for generations to come.”