During the October 13, 2021 City Commission meeting, the discussion on a plaque near the racquetball courts in Flamingo Park in commemoration of Gene Howard was referred to the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee.

Gene Howard was devoted to racquetball in Miami Beach and to Flamingo Park. He believed wholeheartedly in public access to sports. He began playing handball and racquetball at Flamingo Park in 1966 and played continually at the public courts until 2011, when he was 70 years old. Mr. Howard won the over-50 Statewide singles championship in 1992. He also shared his passion by recruiting many young players to the game and always played them to win, no matter the discrepancy in ages.

Mr. Howard was known to give back to his community. He sponsored a baseball team at Flamingo Park in the 1980’s and chaired the Miami Beach Golf Committee. He also founded the successful Billy Shockett Golf Tournament, which raises funds supporting junior golf in the City.