TAMPA — World War II veterans from Lincoln Gardens and Carver City are being honored with six new monuments at Veterans Plaza in Jim Walter Park. 

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Maurice Harvey says that what once was swamp land became a dream for many families who experienced first-time homeownership

  • The plaza pays tribute to the foundation established by Ernest Sims, who was barred from MacDill housing because of Jim Crow laws

  • It is surrounded by more than 800 homes that were initially built as part of Tampa's first Black subdivision

It’s a project that was nearly seven years in the making and was a labor of love from two childhood friends, Reggie Bolton and Dr. Maurice Harvey, Sr.

They shared how the legacy of these men and women shaped the city of Tampa and led to the first planned Black subdivision.

“This is my neighbor and my brother,” Bolton said about Harvey.

Whenever they connect, they say it’s just like old times. They reminisce about growing up in Lincoln Gardens and Carver City and what they have in common.

“It’s only one difference, I didn’t go into the military. But I have so much passion for it, because my family was a military family,” said Bolton, who is the president of Mothers, Fathers and Kids of Lincoln Gardens.

Both subdivisions were initially built for Black veterans coming home after World War II. 

Bolton’s grandfather, Alco Bolton, was one of them. 

“As they fought the war side by side, they came home and couldn’t live on the base because they were Black,” said Bolton.

One soldier’s request made a significant impact.

“Mr. Sims initiated the paperwork that started the neighborhood. Though he didn’t know it, he was trying to get housing for his family,” said Army veteran Harvey.

Harvey and Bolton wanted to pay tribute to the foundation established by Ernest Sims, who was barred from MacDill housing because of Jim Crow laws.

“It was a seed being planted, and Mr. Bolton took that seed and went with it,” Harvey said.

After nearly seven years, the Veterans Plaza in Jim Walter Park has finally been completed. It is surrounded by over 800 homes that were initially built and are still standing.

“It’s a dream come true,” Harvey said.

Harvey says that what once was swamp land became a dream for many families who experienced first-time homeownership.

“They were all three bedrooms. Concrete block houses, and I stay in one,” he added.

Many who served are now listed on a mural at the park. 

The list includes Harvey and several members of his family, including his father, uncle, son and daughter. Bolton says it’s a gift for future generations to appreciate so that the legacy of these men and women will live on.

“As long as I’m here and Dr. Harvey, that’s not going to happen. We need the younger generations to understand and keep it going,” said Bolton.

They are hopeful that this will happen now that monuments bearing the community’s legacy are within walking distance.