Bayside Bridge Renamed in Honor of Two JWB Board Members, Both Passionate Advocates for Pinellas Children

JWB Board Members, leadership, and staff have spent the last week celebrating the good news that two local legal legends, formidable leaders on the JWB Board, and tireless champions for our community’s children will be forever memorialized: We commend and thank the Pinellas County Commissioners for their vote on January 20 to rename the Bayside Bridge to the Dillinger McCabe Bayside Bridge!

The idea originated with Commissioner Chris Latvala, also a JWB Board Member, who sought Kay Dillinger’s permission to pursue the name change after her husband died in 2024. “She was immediately on board,” reported the Tampa Bay Times, in a meaningful piece announcing the change. 

JWB Interim CEO Mike Mikurak penned a letter of support stating that JWB was “honored to offer our full and enthusiastic support for the proposed renaming….”    

“As JWB approaches our 80th anniversary,” he wrote, “we can think of no more fitting tribute than renaming the Bayside Bridge in honor of two men who gave so much of themselves to ensure every child has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and achieve meaningful and purposeful lives.”

The letter continued: “These two men were fierce champions for children and deeply respected, longstanding members of the JWB Board, where they served together for over two decades. 

Bernie McCabe, a pillar of the JWB Board, served as the longtime Finance Committee Chair. A legendary figure in the legal community, Bernie’s guiding principle in every decision was simple yet powerful: “Is it good for the kids?” That question consistently informed his thoughtful, principled leadership.

Bob Dillinger was equally tireless in his advocacy, especially for underserved families. His passion for fighting childhood hunger and addressing basic needs defined his public service and helped countless children avoid deeper-end services through early intervention and support.

Together, Bob and Bernie were formidable forces on the Board. While they didn’t always see eye to eye, they found common ground when it came to putting children first. Their shared vision and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on our organization and our community.”

To honor their long-standing service, in 2021, JWB created the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award to be presented annually to a well-established leader and champion for Pinellas County children and families. 

As we well know and the Times reported, “Kay Dillinger maintains a close friendship with McCabe’s wife, Denise, who stood alongside her Tuesday morning for the announcement of the bridge’s renaming. The most touching moment was when the commissioners handed them a miniature version of the road sign that will appear on the bridge, said Denise McCabe.” 

And their husbands’ legacies live on through their continued involvement with our Legacy Board and the award named in their husbands’ honor. We will be reminded of them again as we review the candidates for this recognition that arrive when JWB calls for nominations later this summer–and any time we drive across the Dillinger McCabe Bayside Bridge.

As Mr. Mikurak stated in JWB’s letter of support: “Their legacy is not only worthy of remembrance – it is worthy of a lasting, visible symbol that speaks to generations to come about the power of putting children first!”