An Entrepreneur

A Businessman and Investor

1920s - 1930s - Kay invested in real estate in the Hillsborough and Pinellas county area. He purchased properties in north Tampa (now the Carrollwood area), Seminole Heights, Palma Ceia, and the Tarpon Springs area.

1927 - Russell Kay purchased Goldstein Pools, in Tampa, as an additional new business venture to help make ends meet during the lean depression years in the late 20s. It was a property with three spring-fed swimming pools, located on the Hillsborough River across from what is now Lowry Park. The purchase included a skating rink located adjacent to the pools. He started the Tampa Aquatic Club there, so residents could purchase memberships to the club which allowed them to skate to music from a jukebox or swim in the pools. He and his family lived next to the club. It has since been bulldozed and houses were built on top. 

1949 - He bought the Florida Clipping Service, which had been operating out of a legislative office in Tallahassee. Established the business in Seminole Heights, Tampa, FL. 

The business grew to need more space so he relocated to the third floor of the bus building in downtown, Tampa. He owned and worked there until the time he retired in the early seventies. 

1949 - He started the Florida News Service, which enabled him to start writing his “Too Late To Classify” column.

Circa 1933 - He was an avid stamp collector and investor and kept a small mail order business going over the years. He continued to enjoy this hobby after he retired.