Alfred A. McKethan

Bio

Alfred A. McKethan was born in Brooksville, FL in 1908, proud to be a 5th generation Floridian. Alfred graduated from Hernando High School where he played baseball and went on to attend college at the Virginia Military Institute and then the University of Florida. Alfred studied Spanish and considered joining his friend Howell Lykes in a cattle shipping business, but he ultimately decided to return to his hometown and followed his father's footsteps by joining him at the Hernando State Bank. At 38, Alfred became the youngest president of the Florida Banking Association and then succeeded his father as President of the Hernando State Bank. Alfred also owned the controlling interest and in 1985 he sold the bank to SunBank. Subsequent mergers meant other changes in name, from SunTrust to Truist.

Alfred did not limit his interests to banking; he had influence in a wide variety of businesses. He dabbled in the citrus industry until too many freezes resulted in him keeping just 25 acres of fruit for his own personal use. He also worked in the mining and realty businesses. Following a horrendous flood that killed millions of chickens in Masaryktown, Alfred pushed legislation for water management and helped establish the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The success of the district led Florida to create them all over the state. Alfred is also credited for helping establish the Hernando County Airport and made it part of the City of Brooksville so they could benefit from the tax revenue. Alfred also served as Chairman of the Florida State Road Board and during his tenure helped in the construction of the first Sunshine Skyway Bridge and started planning for Florida’s turnpike. He is famous for his quote, “All roads lead to Brooksville” and he is responsible for Brooksville’s accessibility by planning for major highways running through and around it.

Alfred was a philanthropist, donating large amounts of money and land to his beloved community. Parks such as Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park and McKethan Lake Recreation Area, and the community center at the Fairgrounds carry his namesake for that reason. He also was an avid Florida Gator Baseball fan throughout his life and donated $800,000 for the construction of a baseball stadium.

In 2002, at the age of 93, Alfred McKethan passed away leaving a lasting legacy for his community. That same year the City of Brooksville awarded him the first ever Great Brooksvillian award.

CITATIONS/CREDIT: 

Hernando County, Our Story, By Alfred McKethan

The Tampa Tribune, Alfred A. McKethan, Nov. 2, 1992