[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 29 (Friday, February 21, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            DR. DAVID WELCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 21, 2014

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Black 
History Month and to honor the life of an extraordinary leader of the 
Tampa Bay community, Dr. David Welch. His remarkable career in public 
service and his many contributions to our community stand as a 
testament to his tremendous character.
  Dr. Welch was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. As a young man, Dr. 
Welch served his country in the U.S. Army Airborne during the Korean 
War. After the war, Dr. Welch graduated from Florida A&M University and 
later obtained a doctorate in education from Nova University. Teaching 
was a lifelong passion for Mr. Welch, who inspired countless young 
minds during his time as a teacher at Gibbs Junior College and later on 
at St. Petersburg Vocational-Technical Institute.
  Once Dr. Welch began his career, he quickly emerged as a business and 
community leader. He founded Welch Tax Services and Accounting which 
assisted numerous local entrepreneurs and helped foster a thriving 
business environment in downtown St. Petersburg. As Director of Fiscal 
Affairs at St. Petersburg Vocation-Technical Institute, he used his 
adept diplomatic skills to resolve the 116-day sanitation workers' 
strike of 1968. He would continue to employ his ability to bring people 
together as the co-chair of the biracial Community Alliance, an 
organization dedicated to relieving racial tensions in the area.
  In 1981, Dr. Welch became the second African American to serve on the 
St. Petersburg City Council. As a three-term council member, Dr. Welch 
championed development projects, and was one of the driving forces 
behind what are today some of St. Petersburg's most prominent 
landmarks. His efforts were instrumental in the development of 
Tropicana Field, the Pier, and the Bayfront Center. Dr. Welch was also 
a strong supporter of municipal interest-free loans for housing which 
led to major renovations in St. Petersburg. His outgoing nature and 
diplomatic manner earned him respect and results throughout his tenure 
as a council member.
  While working diligently as a public servant, Dr. Welch continued to 
remain active in education and supporting local businesses through his 
office. Dr. Welch was always eager to mentor aspiring leaders and took 
an active interest in the youth of the community.
  On September 16, 2013, Dr. Welch passed away at the age of 85. His 
legacy of service and leadership are an inspiration for all people 
throughout this great nation. His commitment to education, economic 
development, and equality will be forever remembered and appreciated. 
Mr. Speaker, I join the Tampa Bay community in thanking Dr. David Welch 
for his lifelong service to the State of Florida.

                          ____________________