Rev. Haynes, Pinellas County Urban League President, CEO, Dies

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Rev. Watson L. Haynes, II, the president and CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League, died Saturday. He was 69.

“Rev. Haynes was a trailblazer leader and true community hero who will be remembered for breaking glass ceilings on behalf of African Americans in St. Petersburg,” Rodney Wilson, PCUL board chair, said in a statement. “He was known throughout the Urban League movement as man of courage and commitment who was always ready to fill the role of preacher as well as champion for racial and economic justice. His lifelong mission and legacy of empowering communities and changing lives will continue for generations and will have a lasting impact locally and nationally.”

There will be no disruption to programs or services for the underserved and disadvantaged in the community. The league’s chief operating officer, Charlotte Anderson, will manage day-to-day operations, working closely with the board.

Haynes was the first African American elected senior class president at St. Petersburg. He remained heavily involved in the community for more than 50 years, holding positions on numerous governmental boards and commissions, Wilson said.

His recent awards include the National Council of Negro Women Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award, Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award, Community Leader Award from the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Superior Service Award from Eta Rho Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Haynes was also a member of the National Urban League Cabinet of Presidents in the United States and received the key to the city of St. Petersburg for his work in the community.

“Rev. Watson Haynes was a tremendous community leader and champion for human rights, who daily lived out the faith he so deeply believed. While we are saddened to lose such a monumental force for good, we celebrate his life of service and the legacy he has entrusted to us,” the Pinellas Community Foundation posted to its Facebook page following his death.

In a Facebook post, the Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. called Haynes “a champion for the underserved and worked tirelessly to make our community a better place.”

The council added, “His footprint within the National Urban League, Pinellas County Urban League, State of Florida and his beloved hometown of St. Petersburg will be deeply felt for many years to come.”

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch also mourned the loss, noting on his Facebook page that the city “has lost a giant” with Haynes’ passing.

“For decades, he has been a faith, business, political and civil rights leader. Watson was a counselor, advisor, peacemaker and bridge-builder,” the mayor wrote. “From his roots as a child of the Historic Gas Plant district to his current role as CEO of the Pinellas Urban League, he has always worked to build understanding and progress, and his voice was universally respected. He has improved the lives of many and helped shape a path for shared progress in St. Petersburg. We are forever thankful for his lifelong example of principled leadership.”