Bud Garner remembers one of Pompano's preeminent aviators:

Leroy Brown (Beanpicker '42) learned to fly at an early age while "hanging around" the dusting field South on Dixie, at about SW 6th street -- where John Knox Village has its main entrance.

Leroy began crop-dusting while still in high school and he would fly on his out-of-school periods.

After World War II, Leroy began flying produce to and from the Bahama Islands. This resulted in his purchasing two surplus B-17 bombers, which he got for less then $10,000 each.

At one time, Leroy was arrested by Federal agents for "stealing" his own plane and flying it from an airfield in Texas to Ft. Lauderdale, at night all alone, with no co-pilot or flight engineer. The charges were dropped as it was all a huge, costly mistake and his license was restored.

Leroy eventually left the produce business and flew for National airlines, graduating to jets.

Leroy has retired and lives in Zellwood, Florida.

Leroy is a true pioneer of Pompano and has left a legacy that will remain here forever.