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Sarasota board names Booker High football field for longtime coach Fred Gilmore
Summary
The Sarasota County School Board unanimously approved naming Booker High School's football field 'Fred Gilmore Field at Tornado Alley' to honor the coach's decades of service; community fundraising will cover signage costs.
The Sarasota County School Board voted unanimously Oct. 21 to name the football field at Booker High School the "Fred Gilmore Field at Tornado Alley," honoring Coach Fred Gilmore’s more than 30 years of service to the school and community.
Superintendent Conner described Gilmore as "more than just an athletic coach" — a mentor and community leader who graduated from Booker in 1983 and later served the school for decades. Conner said a community committee of about 20 alumni, staff, students and leaders unanimously recommended the naming. The Booker High School Foundation launched a fundraising campaign to cover all associated costs, and Conner said that more than $32,000 was raised in less than a week to pay for signage and recognition consistent with district policy.
Board members praised the proposal and the community support. "Nothing happens at Booker these days without Dr. Shelley’s involvement," board member Michael Woods said, thanking administration and community volunteers. The board took a voice vote and the measure passed with all members voting yes.
Why it matters
The naming recognizes a local educator and coach whose work the district said helped shape student athletes and Booker High School culture. According to the superintendent’s presentation, no Booker athletic facility previously carried an official designation; the naming fills that gap and memorializes Gilmore’s legacy in the campus environment.
Implementation
The district’s naming policy requires that fundraisers cover the costs of signage and recognition; the Booker community’s initial fundraising push met that requirement, and the district will coordinate installation and ceremony details.
Public record of support
Superintendent Conner said the board had received more than 40 letters of support from the community. The naming was approved by voice vote: Michael Edwards — yes; Bridget Ziegler — yes; Karen Rose — yes; Liz Barker — yes; Chair Robin Marinelli — yes.
