City of Winter Haven Proclaims George and Seretha Tinsley Week in Honor of Two Local Black Entrepreneurs
by James Coulter
He serves as the President and CEO of Tinsley Family Concessions. She serves as the CFO and Equity Partner. Bothhave served as influential black entrepreneurs and members of their local community. Now their community is honoring their legacy for the remaining week of Black History Month.
George and Seretha Tinsley were honored for their contributions to the Winter Haven community with a proclamation from the City of Winter Haven designating the week of Feb. 27 as “George and Seretha Tinsley Week.”
“Winter Haven recognizes how diversity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of American life and solidifies the foundation of strong communities,” the proclamation read. “Whereas, Seretha and George Tinsley are recognized as two of these trailblazers; and whereas, their lasting impact in the community has been made by the legacy they created as business leaders, philanthropists, mentors, champions for youth development, and much more to many peoples.”
Both George and Seretha Tinsley were present to accept the proclamation, as they were both photographed with the official city seal and with a banner that will be hung at city hall commemorating their designated week.
Since 2021, the City of Winter Haven has been recognizing residents who personify the spirit of Black History Month by commemorating their achievements in the overall pursuit of civil rights within the Winter Haven community.
Seretha Tinsley was the first African American female to graduate from Wesleyan College in Kentucky in 1971. Since then, she has achieved a fruitful career as an entrepreneur and civic leader. In 2008, she became the first African American President of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She currently serves as a trustee at First Missionary Baptist Church.
Her husband, George, has experienced a similar lucrative career. He has served as a teacher, coach, exhibition specialist, and even training as an FBI agent, his website states. He has been inducted into several business and athletic hall of fames, and he has received several awards and recognitions.
Both have been married for 47 years and counting. They have been blessed with two loving children and several grandchildren.
“An entrepreneur, civic leader, mother, and wife, Seetha’s commitment to excellence has always been her calling card,” their website states. As for George: “The summarization of George Tinsley, Sr.’s continued road to success could liken to that of a rags-to-riches story. But faith, tenacity, education and the white-heat desire to not accept settling or complacency are the true gifts that catapulted his life to where it is today.”
This year, the previous weeks of February were designated in commemoration of notable local black residents and their achievements. The week of Feb. 13, 2023, was designated in honor of Althea Margaret Daily Mills, a local advocate for equal education, and the city’s first postal career employee and postal manager. The week of Feb. 20, 2023, was designated in honor of Charles R. Richardson, Sr., who served as an educational administrator, city commissioner, mayor, county commissioner, and all-around public servant.
At the city commission meeting on Monday, the City of Winter Haven also passed two other proclamations. One proclamation designated March as “Irish American Heritage Month.” The other designated the week of Feb. 27 as “Montessori Education Week.”
