
By Mike Sutton, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside
It is uncommon for a U.S. President to be remembered primarily for their actions after leaving office. Yet, the late Jimmy Carter stands out as an extraordinary exception. His global humanitarian efforts will endure as a legacy of compassion and service. President Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, became tireless advocates and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, beginning in their home state of Georgia. Their dedication to promoting affordable housing and the significance of safe, stable homes inspired generations of volunteers to roll up their sleeves and contribute to building stronger communities.
Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside—formerly Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties—was founded in 1985, initially serving only Pinellas County. Our first home was built in St. Petersburg in 1986. Thanks to robust partnerships within the city, we have since built 450 homes in St. Pete alone. Over time, we expanded our service area to include West Pasco and Hernando Counties, contributing to over 930 homes in our broader community. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and inspiration of the Carters.
In 2015, I had the privilege of traveling to Plains, Georgia, and sharing lunch with President Carter at the site of his boyhood farm. It was a profound honor to be in his presence. He was one of the most humble individuals I have ever met—a man who dedicated every day to improving the lives of others.
At Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside, we are reminded daily of the transformative impact we can have on our community. Whether through single-family homes, neighborhood developments, or townhome communities, our mission remains steadfast: to build more homes, foster thriving communities, and nurture hope throughout St. Petersburg and beyond.
As we approach our 40th anniversary in 2025, we are proud to celebrate an incredible milestone: the completion of our 1,000th home in the community.
May we all aspire to leave a legacy as profound as President Carter’s—a man who truly made the world a better place.
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