Forever Flowers: TEMPO OWNER/CO-PUBLISHER JOHNNY HUNTER, SR. PASSES
By C.S. Howard
Johnny Hunter, Sr., owner and co-publisher of TEMPO News, passed away on May 10, 2024. He was 75 years old.
When Johnny acquired TEMPO News in 1990, his goal was to raise the bar to outstanding excellence for the paper and to carry the torch of voice and freedom of press for African American communities. He did just that. TEMPO News is the oldest and single weekly African American newspaper representing Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Since 1990, Johnny created a legacy steeped deeply in the history of Sarasota and Manatee. His philosophy was
“to serve the community with determination and fairness”.
When doors were closed, he proceeded to open them, demanding fairness for all, something he passed on to his son, Johnny Hunter, Jr., who has been co-publisher since 2018, carrying on the paper’s day-to-day operations. Johnny Sr. was an innovative thinker; at times he rattled the boundaries and thoughts of those who would cut off justice to all in the community. He continued his quest for fairness and justice by providing weekly news that was timely in both counties; he maintained a constant presence by keeping his finger on the pulse of economic, health, political, social and religious issues that affect his readers, with special focus on issues affecting the African American population.
Johnny loved his community and was involved with service boards, coalitions and programs. He served on the Sarasota County Sheriff Citizen Advisory Board and Diversity Committee, the Manatee County Sheriff Citizen Advisory Board, the Goodhomes Board of Goodwill Industries, Suncoast Workforce Board, Manatee County Chamber of Commerce, Sarasota County Educational Assistance Program and Keep Sarasota Beautiful. He was an original member of the Sarasota Area Bankers Coalition, co-founder of the first Newtown
Juneteenth Celebration, board member of Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce and the Congressional Classroom, Friends of Unity in the Community, founding member of the Committee Organizing Assistance and Community Help and member of the Newtown Goodwill Industries Site Selection Committee. He was recognized for his work throughout the State of Florida, and by many community organizations including the Sarasota County Branch NAACP with the Business and Industry Freedom Award and with the President’s Award from the Manatee County Branch, NAACP.
There was only one Johnny Hunter, Sr., but his legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren and generations to come. He touched the lives of many and the continuation of TEMPO News will be a testament to the difference he made in the community.
