On Saturday, Feb. 3, Kennedy Park was renamed to Lorenzo Hamilton Sr Park. The ceremony drew a large crowd and several speakers spoke about Mr. Hamilton who was a long-time fixture in the community as an educator and administrator for Hernando County Schools as well as a coach and mentor for the area youth.
As a coach, he brought discipline and order. His players knew that his rules must be followed. He was a valuable resource for the students after they graduated, providing advice and sometimes a helping hand. Maulty Moore remembered that after he played in the NFL, he needed a job and Mr. Hamilton managed to get him a job at Kennedy Park, the very park being renamed Lorenzo Hamilton Park. Then, when Mr. Moore had the opportunity to return to the NFL and play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mr. Hamilton encouraged him to do it and not worry about leaving the job.
As an administrator, Mr. Hamilton was often called upon to dispense discipline. Many former students remember being suspended, paddled, or rebuked by Mr. Hamilton and remember him as being tough but fair.
Mr. Hamilton helped many of the kids in the area. He was especially important to the black youth. He organized trips to visit Bethune Cookman for kids who had no idea college was an option and served as a role model of what was possible. He also supported star athletes, helping several, including Maulty Moore and Richard Feacher, make it to the NFL.
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 of Hernando High. 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.”
