[caption id="attachment_3225" align="alignleft" width="300"] Boyd Insurance CEO Jim Boyd, Suzan Boyd, and the Honorable Gilbert Smith[/caption]
As a third-generation family-owned business, Boyd Insurance & Investments is immensely proud of our company's legacy within the Manatee County community.
Recently, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners recognized our company founder, Wilbur Boyd, with a very special honor: renaming part of 33rd Ave. Drive W. to Wilbur Boyd Boulevard in memory of the former Florida State Senator and civic leader. The dedication took place at a commemorative ceremony to open the newly-renovated C.V. Walton Racquet Center at G. T. Bray Park.
In 1974, Wilbur Boyd founded Boyd Insurance & Investments, recognizing that the road to success had to be paved with exceptional customer service and quality. With a truly inspired entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Boyd Insurance & Investments on that premise. In the mid-70s he was joined by Jim Boyd and Pat Osburn, who soon carried on the family business together as co-owners. And today, the third generation, Austin Boyd, carries the torch into the future as our company President.
As a statesman, Wilbur Boyd was a long-time local supporter of recreation and education opportunities. Wilbur Harrison Boyd was born in Terra Ceia in 1927. A graduate of Palmetto High, he attended Stetson University and entered politics in 1958, representing the 12th District in Florida's House of Representatives. He encouraged the idea of outdoor recreational areas in his district and at one time pursured efforts to establish a gaming preserve in Myakka. The Manatee County Parks & Recreation Department was formed by Manatee County Board of County Commissioners in the summer of 1965. After his election to the Florida Senate in 1966, Boyd helped implement the state junior college system and worked to establish a Manatee-area campus of University of South Florida (USF). In 1972, he was instrumental in appropriating funds for a study of higher education needs in Southwest Florida, including USF and Manatee Junior College, now the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota).
We are so proud of the Boyd legacy of serving our community. Please enjoy this video produced by Manatee County Government documenting the special occasion!
Dedication of Wilbur Boyd Blvd | Event Program