Ed Price Jr. He influenced state and county government with, one governor said, a passion "of doing the right thing.".(CORNERSTONES: THE MAKING OF MANATEE COUNTY)

About a year ago, Ed Price Jr. told Manatee County's civic and government leaders that he would not serve on any more committees. The former state senator and Tropicana Products executive needed to slow his pace.

"But I told them this," said Price, now 81, leaning forward in his chair. "That does not mean in any way I will not help."

Though he has stepped back, Price remains active with the Palmetto Youth Center, Rubonia Day Care Center and the United Way. He keeps an office in downtown Bradenton, where he goes daily to counsel folks who otherwise might not be able to afford a consultant. And he maintains regular contact with his friends in government - county commissioners, Florida Cabinet members and U.S. representatives among them.

"He's a community-minded person who believes in helping and giving and sharing," said Seymore Sailes, a Palmetto businessman who has worked with Price on various projects since 1976. "Most important, he's a God-fearing man, and when you're a …