70, of St. Petersburg, passed away February 4, 2023 in Hospice Care at Bayfront Medical Center. Tom was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL where he spent his entire life.
He was the son of Ernest J. and Virginia Reese of St. Petersburg.
Tom was a graduate of the University of South Florida and Stetson College of Law. He pursued a career in Environmental and Land Use Law and was an advocate for the preservation of our waterways in Florida. During his law career he achieved protective measures for the Little Manatee River and the Withlacoochee River through leading successful efforts to designate them Outstanding Florida Waters. He assisted the Florida Wildlife Federation in panther habitat preservation in South Florida and was successful in defeating the use of Orimulsion, a dirty fuel for which Florida Power and Light sought State approval. He worked in radon prevention and fought the phosphate industry on behalf of the people of Progress Village in Hillsborough County. He received a Life-time Achievement Award from the Florida Wildlife Federation.
Tom was an avid backpacker and bicyclist, backpacking and cycle touring in many locations in the world, including Tasmania, New Zealand, Bhutan, Switzerland, Alaska and western Canada, as well as here in Florida and in particular the western United States. He loved nature and did the most he could to both enjoy and protect it.
He is survived by his brother, E. James Reese II (Barbara) and sister, Julie R. Keith (Bill) and two nephews, E. James Reese III and Christopher Reese and two nieces, Amy K. Fischer and Sara K. Nucci.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Wildlife Federation or Suncoast Hospice Care Center South Pinellas at Bayfront Medical Center.
Tom was a talented and dedicated protector of Florida’s natural treasures. He was also a good friend and will be missed.
Tom’s advocacy efforts at keeping a part of natural Florida for future generations rank with the efforts of Florida’s best known environmental advocates whose names, unlike Tom’s, are far more familiar. Tom, as a solo law practitioner, was fearless in using his legal skills & knowledge to successfully take on some of the state’s most powerful development & resource extraction interests. Tom will be missed, particularly by natural Florida.
Tom, was a true gentleman and cared deeply about Florida’s future and people.
In 1982, Tom had already been recognized for his early work as a powerful and principled man when the St Petersburg Times on the front page of the Opinion section placed a half page opinion from top to bottom that started out “Thomas W. Reese, young environmental attorney…” and listed some great work. Tom was not daunted by sitting across from stable of eight well paid attornies from statewide firms. He usually won his case or settled in a compromise benefitting a low income community e.g. Progress Village. He and his lifelong friend Peter Belmont saved our waterfront from unsavory development by requesting the city require a citywide referendum for any impactful long term use thereby keeping the waterfront pristine for all of our enjoyment. Thank you Tom.
I was just a teenager kid who lived in the same neighborhood as Tom. He used to run around the neighborhood and I was always in my driveway playing basketball. He used to stop his runs and shoot some hoops with me. He had a sarcastic humor that I could really relate with. I could tell even then he was a smart guy. Sorry to hear about his passing.
Played sports with Tom from Jr. High through HS. Followed his environmental career after he became a lawyer. Great man, always fought for what he thought was right. Lost this man way too early.
Tom Zimmer- retired Pro Baseball
Tom was a longtime teammate in softball, flag football, soccer. We backpacked and kayaked together. Always enjoyed Tom. So sorry to hear this sad news.
The world and specifically Florida, lost a true gentleman and a tremendous advocate for protecting the environment. Tom was a man with sterling qualities. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Oh man…I too played sports with Tom..and lived down the street from him in 1966-68..I went to Dixie Hollins…and he went to Boca Ciega HS…I move away in 1968..