Late Charles E. Tucker Recognized

Board of County Commissioners honored the late Charles E. Tucker with a plaque presentation to his wife, Susan, in recognition of his service to the citizens of Polk County as a member of the Lakes Access Advisory Committee.  Other family members in attendance included one son and three grandchildren; long-time friend David Hoy and fellow committee members were also on hand.  Mr. Tucker was appointed May 21, 2008, by Commissioner Jean Reed to the citizens lay board, and he served until his death June 14 of this year. 

A Winter Haven resident, Mr. Tucker was born in Ft. Payne, Alabama and had lived in this area for the past 55 years.  He was a retired sales rep with American Quality Distributors, was an Army veteran as well as an avid fisherman.  For 16 years, he was a professional fishing guide; he loved our beautiful lakes here in Polk County and was dedicated to preserving and gaining public access to give all of us an opportunity to enjoy recreational activities on the water.

Mr. Charles E. Tucker will be missed.

Friends of the Parks Foundation is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1993 to promote and support public parks and recreation activities in Polk County through gifts and donations from individuals, organizations and private industry.   Learn more:  www.friendsoftheparks.net

The Foundation recently formed a Friends for Public Lakes Access sub-committee for advocacy and fund-raising to acquire property for public lakes access, improve existing public lakes access facilities, and for grant / partnership opportunities to accomplish public lakes access goals.  Citizens interested in joining the Foundation and serving on the Friends for Public Lakes Access sub-committee should contact Foundation president, Marian Ryan at  marianryan@gmail.com or (863) 293-6961.