Bradenton will gather to remember Bill Robinson at the best place possible

There can be no better place to honor the memory of Bradenton businessman Bill Robinson than at Robinson Preserve, the park named after his family.

A candlelight walk through Robinson Preserve will take place Monday, Jan. 13, at the preserve and the public is invited to participate. Those interested in paying tribute can meet in front of the Valentine House entrance near the park’s front gate at 1704 99th St. NW, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Robinson lost his battle with cancer on Jan. 2 in Houston. He was 70.

Robinson, the previous owner of Robby’s Sports, which became Champ’s, and co-founder of Fit2Run, also is the father of state Rep. Will Robinson.

Had it not been for Bill Robinson, Robinson Preserve would not be a piece of pristine old Florida that is enjoyed by hundreds on a daily basis and is considered the crown jewel of the Manatee County parks system.

This story was originally published January 10, 2020 at 11:41 AM.