Fred Levin has been a controversial figure in his lifetime with achievements in law, politics, boxing and countless charitable acts. He and I share more in common then I realized before beginning this piece. We were both born in Pensacola, FL, spent time at the University of Florida and share a passion bucking the norm. I met Fred several times over the past decades socially and my intrigue was peaked by his laid back manner, often welcoming with a quick wit and no holds barred sense of candor; his charm exudes confidence from years of challenge. There have been many articles written about his accomplishments and a recently published biography "And Give Up Showbiz?" by Josh Young but without sticking to the observations of others... I hoped to find more about Mr. Levin with my own set of questions.
EP- Without sending readers to Wikipedia, can you give me a quick bio and feel free to focus on what makes you proud...
FL- I have done extremely well in the practice of law. Probably the most significant thing I did was create the changes to Florida's Medicaid Recovery Act which is said to be the most important piece of healthcare legislation ever passed in this country. As a result, there was a national settlement with tobacco and it is said this (because of the drop in the use of tobacco) is saving approximately 100,000 American lives each year. In regard to the law practice, my giving the money to the University of Florida College of Law and having my name on that great law school. I am a member of the National Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame at Temple University. In regard to the part of the practice of law where I am most notable is in the representation of Roy Jones Jr. I helped negotiate his contracts and business matters as he became, according to the International Boxing Digest, the greatest pound for pound boxer of the 20th Century. I am in the Florida Hall of Fame of Boxing. In regard to race relations, I have been enstooled as a Chief in the Country of Ghana and I understand there are only 2 other Americans so honored; Shirley Temple Black and Congresswoman Barbara Jordan.
EP- Tell me about your love for Pensacola; why have you remained in the Panhandle?
FL- I never gave even a second thought to moving out. I also have to be realistic in realizing that when I graduated law school in 1961 there was not a lot of opportunities for Jewish lawyers other than handling criminal cases, marital and personal injury. I have always loved my hometown and even if I could have done much better financially anywhere else, I never considered it.
EP- What have you done to impact local life?
FL- I was a major stockholder in several restaurants; Chicks Barbeque, Chicks Steak Ranch and Carpenters Supper Club. I also was involved in the nightlife: Papa Don's Skylark, Pier Lounge, The Side Bar, etc. In regards to businesses, we had Sam's Style Shop and the home office for a ladies apparel operation with 55 stores throughout the southeast. I brought boxing to Pensacola and several major law cases. I have also developed 3 incredible venues for parties; my homes on the bayou, (the Carriage House and Tanglewood) as well as a penthouse on Pensacola Beach (Aqua). Also, I have a 70 foot yacht that travels 60mph and is incredibly decorated. All of these venues have had several money raising events. The law firm has probably been the most charitable organization in Pensacola.
EP- I have always been impressed with your inner circle which demonstrates no rule of cultural background but is rich in personality. What does it take for a person to peak your interest?
FL- I guess it would be people who are interested in sports and/or politics. Also, I find people in the entertainment industry to be of interest. However, the people that I am closest to are guys that I grew up with and guys that I use to gamble with. Basically, they are not what you would call super stars but just ordinary guys.
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