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Hernando banker tirelessly gives back to the community

 
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce recently presented Morris Porton with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce recently presented Morris Porton with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Published Feb. 22, 2014

How long have you lived in Hernando County, and where do you live? Where did you live previously?

I have lived in Hernando County since 1972 and live in Spring Hill. I grew up in Tampa.

Who are the members of your family?

My wife, Pauline, and I have three daughters — Lisa, Stacy and Michelle — seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Tell us about your career.

I started in baking in 1967. I spent 21 years with First Florida Bank, 12 years with SunTrust Bank, five years with CenterState Bank, and currently I'm executive/senior vice president of Florida Traditions Bank. I've been with FTB for five years.

What kinds of activities are you involved in now?

I am chairman of the board for the Arc Nature Coast, the Chamber Education Training Association (or CETA) and Northcliffe Baptist Church's finance committee.

I am on the executive board for Hernando Progress, and I am a member of the liaison committee representing Hernando Progress. I'm on the executive committee for the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, and for the past 30 years I have been a reserve deputy with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

Tell me about the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award you were recently presented by the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce.

Winning the award was a complete surprise, as I think there were many more deserving people. I have been in the county for 45 years and have always wanted to give back to the community.

(The chamber issued this statement regarding Porton:

"Morris Porton is a high-energy guy, dedicated to his clients and serving the community through the reserve deputy program. He's a great community banker. Morris' philanthropic nature shines through in everything he does. But it's his work for the GHCCC that he was recognized for. Building businesses is his passion. When advocacy, education and mentoring are mentioned, Morris Porton comes to mind.

Morris was chairman of the board in 1990 and has served on the executive committee ever since then. He was extremely instrumental in the merger of the West Hernando Chamber of Commerce and Hernando County Chamber of Commerce into what is now the GHCCC.

As a past board chairman, Morris has the knowledge, passion and desire to help chamber members succeed. He is one of the most respected in the industry.")

Do you have any special hobbies?

I enjoy a bit of golfing and traveling.

What are your favorite things to do in Hernando County?

I like working with organizations that help people less fortunate than I am, as well as helping people through my work with the Sheriff's Office.

What do you think would make Hernando County a better place to live?

Offering more things for young people to do, and more industry to help support the community.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.

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In high school, I held the state record for the 100-yard dash for a number of years. More recently, I serve almost every weekend as a reserve deputy to support the community.

Hernando Neighbors is an occasional feature of the Hernando Times. Do you know someone who would make a good profile? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Jean Hayes, community news coordinator, at jhayes@tampabay.com or (352) 848-1438.