Eddie L. Rainey, Jr.
The smelly city dump was located on the north side near the African American community off North Washington Blvd.
Eddie L. Rainey, Jr. remembers the long-legged, long-necked cranes hovering. He rummaged through trash to find other people’s treasures. His enterprising dad, an expert carpenter, plumber and electrician owned land and constructed homes for Black residents off Highway 301 near the dump and along Pershing Avenue when no other builders would. His uncle, Lloyd Haisley, a Booker High School principal made him read afterschool, then explain passages. The Florida A&M University graduate enlisted in the army in 1952. Looking for work, he saw a flyer about the postal exam, took the test and passed. Rainey retired from the U. S. postal service. His house was located in the 1600 block of then 33rd Street. “I was raised in this community. I can’t say that I ever felt unsafe. Sarasota is a great little town. I will live here forever.”
