Floyd “Flo Daddy” English of Galveston passed away January 7, 2019. I miss seeing his smiling face.

I met Floyd English about 15 years ago. He was the guy that would ride his bicycle the wrong way up Postoffice Street.  He later explained, “I like to see the cars coming at me!”

He was resourceful, managing to find food, shelter, and an occasional pint of Taaka Vodka when required.  His specialty was helping out at local bars at closing. He has mopped up a lot of messes at The Press Box and O'Malley's over the years.

A few days after Hurricane Ike flooded the island, I ran into Flo helping clean out the mess in Rudy & Paco’s.  He explained that he tried to ride out the storm on a life guard tower being stored on Postoffice Street. He claimed to have learned to swim when Sid Steffens encouraged him to make it to safety. Sid is the owner of Island Carriages. The video was quite the hit on youtube at the time.

I knew there was a better story, so I convinced Flo to talk to me again on camera.  That interview plus the Hurricane Ike clip is below.

In the interview, Flo explained how Joey Collier invited him into his home to recover from an illness. A few years later, Joey married Jan Inlow and Flo was a groomsman in the wedding. Many will miss Flo’s presence on the Island, but none more than the Collier family including Joey, Jan, and their daughters, Nicole, Dezirea, and Jessye.

Flo was born on February 8, 1952 in New Orleans, Louisiana where he attended Booker T. Washington High School. Flo made Galveston his home for over 30 years, and his many friends were glad that he did.

His son Derrick Dewayne Hargrove of Alexandria, Louisiana preceded Flo in death. A daughter, Mahogany Dorty of Alexandria, Louisiana, survives him.

There are many other extended “family” members including, Tamara Varela, Ben Gooding, Danny Webber, Holly Hopkins, all the staff and customers at The Press Box, El Jardin, O'Malley's Stage Door, MOD Coffeehouse, Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar to name a few. You can count me in that list.

A celebration of life will be held at The Press Box, 2401 Postoffice Street, on Sunday, February 9 at 2pm. Just prior, there will be a procession from O’Malley’s up Postoffice Street, the wrong way so we can see the cars coming! If you knew Flo, you are invited.

In a town known for colorful characters, Flo was one of the most colorful. With much love, may you rest in peace, Floyd “Flo Daddy” English.