St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere—but the people of St. Pete truly make this city something special. In appreciation, each month Green Bench Monthly shines a light on one of the many people that makes St. Pete unique.
The Looper Driver
As a St. Petersburg Looper Trolley driver, Brown helps make our downtown more accessible and fun. Whether it’s for a short hop or the longer loop, riding with him is an absolute pleasure. As a lifelong resident, he knows the city’s history. He’s also gracious and entertaining. As he told me, his favorite part of the job is “putting smiles on people’s faces.” After watching him at work, I believe it. And remember the Looper isn’t just for tourists: As a local, I often use it to get around. Whether you’re from here or elsewhere, take a ride with Brown. You’ll enjoy it: I promise.
More Than a Looper Driver
Brown and his identical twin brother, Terrill, are Class of ’89 St. Petersburg High School Green Devils. For nearly a decade, Terrance Brown taught Pre-K and elementary school. He’s a devoted son who describes his mom as “the best person I ever met.” He and his wife, “Alana, the most beautiful,” as he refers to her, wed 22 years ago. Four children and one grandson later, he still loves being married. That attitude must run in the family. His parents, Maude and James Brown, have been married for 60 years! He plays golf and (as a former player) is a big basketball fan; during the recent NBA playoffs, his evening plans included rooting for the 2018 champion Golden State Warriors with his two youngest kids. In short, he is a nice guy who appreciates his life and loves his family.
Optimism
Terrance makes optimism look easy. His family is essential, and he talks about other influences in his life. One story, in particular, stood out for me. After he got into some minor scrapes in school, his assistant principal, thinking Brown was squandering his potential, steered him toward a job at Haslam’s Bookstore. During his eight years there, he developed a love for books and met best-selling authors including Arthur Ashe and James Michener. Store co-owner Elizabeth Haslam entrusted him with responsibility. That confidence, from someone other than family, changed him, he said. He left believing that even if he grew up poor, he could be “more than where he was from.”
Faith
Today, Brown describes being a Jehovah’s Witness as the defining element of his life. In his view, his faith has deepened his love for his family and community. It allows him to see the best in the worst. He is not ignorant to reality, but his teenage belief that he could be “more than where he was from” has expanded to his adult assurance that the world does not shape him. This certainty creates a space for his “love of others.” I am not a religious person, and our talk didn’t change that, but his optimism is infectious. I walked away happy. For that, I thank him!
For information about the St. Petersburg Looper Trolley, its schedules, fares, and rentals, visit loopertrolley.com.
Kudos to you! Your brilliant words describing of Mr. Brown is right on point. His character, his Faith and his Love a family is written all over him. Thank you for such an excellent choice for Green Bench readers to see through your eye our Looper Drivers love for him community. And yes I too leave him with a Big Smile on my face! Robert and Victoria Saunders
When we are downtown it is a highlight of our day when Terrance drives by and gives us a foot from his trolly horn!