Thomas B. Manuel

Thomas Brown Manuel (November 3, 1898 – August 13, 1987) was an American community leader, politician and state official in Florida, often referred to as the "Father of the Florida's Turnpike" for his efforts to bring about the first major highway in Florida, and for his contributions generally to economic development in the state.

Early life He was born November 3, 1898, near Freetown, Jackson County, Indiana, the second child of Sarah Jane and Asbury Hill Manuel. His paternal grandfather, Dr. Grafton Manuel, was the attending physician at his birth. Thomas had two sisters Estella (1893–94) and Mary Catherine (1903–1935) as well as four brothers Virgil (1886–1957), Herschel (1887–1976), William (1891–1970) and Paul (1895–1925).

Seeking adventure and angered by Pancho Villa's raid on a New Mexico town, at 17, he enlisted in the army, and saw action in the Mexican Expedition of 1916, remaining in the army afterward, he eventually saw action in France during World War I.

Following his discharge from the army, Manuel attended the University of Illinois, earning a degree in animal husbandry, and set out to start a farm in Palm Beach County, Florida, near modern-day Delray Beach. He would ultimately settle further south, in Fort Lauderdale, where he and his wife Margaret would start a family.

Later, near the end of his service on the Authority, another extension, adding 156 miles and connecting Orlando and Wildwood, would be approved. Days before both he and Manuel would leave office, Governor Collins authorized the sale of an additional $80 million in bonds to finance construction to Wildwood. That section would be dedicated July 24, 1964, and would mark the completion of the "Main Line" portion of the Parkway running from Miami to Wildwood.

During his time as chairman, Colonel Manuel deliberately took an active role in the management of the Turnpike, frequently driving to various destinations, visiting construction sites, and inspecting land parcels under consideration for acquisition, talking to road construction workers and managers and motorists. On one notable occasion, witnessing an accident, he quickly pulled to the side of the road and dove into a canal, dragging the wrecked cars occupants from the murky water in what, sadly, turned out to be futile efforts to save their lives. which carries the Turnpike over the St. Lucie Canal, near Port Salerno, in east central Martin County. The plaque, near Mile Marker 130, officially recognizes Colonel Manuel as the "Father of the Turnpike".

He retired following his wife's death in 1981, but continued to maintain an active interest in the affairs of the Turnpike, following developments affecting the system closely, often attending hearings and meetings, and frequently speaking publicly on issues pertaining to the Turnpike.

Death At age 88, while attending a public hearing in Coconut Creek, and speaking against proposed toll increases, Manuel suffered a heart attack, collapsed, and was rushed to a hospital. He died soon thereafter, on August 13, 1987. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale with his wife.