[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BUSTER AGLIANO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Buster Agliano, 
an Ybor City icon, who recently lost his battle with cancer.
  Buster was a well loved fixture in the Ybor community. His family-
owned seafood market, S. Agliano and Sons Fish Co., remained open for 
business long after other shops had abandoned the Latin Quarter to make 
way for bars and nightclubs. The market, founded in 1915 by Buster's 
grandfather, had since turned its focus to wholesale business, but 
Buster always kept the front case stocked for his loyal customers, and 
he will be fondly remembered for offering his seafood on credit to 
those facing hard times. Buster could have sold his business for a 
hefty profit long ago, but Buster would never have sold out his 
customers and community to cash in for himself.
  Buster's fish market was equally well known for the political debates 
that played out in the front of the shop. Everyone who was anyone in 
Tampa's political scene would join in Buster's informal gatherings to 
talk shop. In Tampa's political world, Buster was enormously respected 
as a source of advice and counsel, and as a result, local politicians 
always sought his support.
  Buster was easy to love and easy to respect. His warmth always shone 
through his generosity, his love of family, his dedication to serving 
his community and his persistent positive attitude. I am honored to 
have called Buster my friend.
  On behalf of the entire Tampa Bay community, I extend my deepest 
sympathies to Buster's family. Buster's legacy in Ybor City and in our 
hearts will not be forgotten. He was one of a kind, and everyone who 
called Buster his or her friend is a better person for having known 
him.

                          ____________________