Gibsonton, once a community for circus performers, had a towering and civic-minded fire chief in its early days
About 10 miles south of Tampa, hugging the east side of Hillsborough Bay, is the small unincorporated community of Gibsonton, sometimes referred to as "Gibtown" or the "Sideshow Capital of the World." Gibsonton's claim to fame is that it was once a haven for circus and carnival professionals, who often wintered there during the off season. Many even made it their permanent home.
To accommodate its unique residents, special zoning laws allowed people to keep exotic animals, circus trailers, trapeze equipment, and carnival rides in their front yards. Decades ago, the post office had a low counter to accommodate locals with dwarfism.
As the town grew, so did the need to have fire rescue services. In 1950, a firehouse was built to serve the community. Square dances were held every Saturday night to benefit the fire station and fund the station's all-volunteer operations.
Al Tomaini, Hillsborough County's tallest fire chief
One of the most notable volunteers at Station 12 was Al Tomaini, a legend for his towering stature. Tomaini, born in 1912 in New Jersey, was said to be 7 feet, 4 inches, though some claim he was a whole foot taller. His immense size earned him the name "The Giant."
In contrast to Tomaini's immense height was his petite wife, Bernice "Jeanie" Smith. Smith was born without legs and grew to be only 2 feet, 6 inches tall. As an infant, her parents took her on the road in the sideshow circuit so she could perform acrobats under the name "The Half Girl."
Smith met Tomaini, a fellow performer on the sawdust trail, in the mid-1930s. The young lovers, both in their 20s, married in 1936. They billed themselves as "The World's Strangest Married Couple" and toured together for many years.
Giving back to Gibtown
By the late 1940s, the couple had enough of show business and decided to settle down in Gibsonton. They adopted daughters and opened several businesses together, including a lodge, restaurant, and fishing and trailer grounds named "Giant's Camp."
However, Tomaini wasn't just a local entrepreneur, he was also a generous philanthropist. He gifted Gibsonton its first ambulance, helped build the community hall, and served as deputy sheriff.
In 1951, Tomaini was named fire chief at Station 12. He took his new role and the safety of the community seriously. Tomaini is credited with arranging for his team of volunteer firefighters to be trained by outside professionals. To better qualify himself as Gibsonton's volunteer fire chief, he also participated in the classes.
Tomaini passed away at the age of 50 in 1962. His death was attributed to the glandular condition that had caused his gigantism.
To honor his memory, his wife created a memorial for him by placing one of Tomaini's size 22 boots on a platform out front of their family business. When the boot deteriorated due to time and weather, the community came together to create a replica to replace it.
In 2010, a new granite pillar, topped with a sturdy composite boot, was erected almost exactly where the original had stood. The historical marker honoring both Tomaini and his wife can be visited today at 9815 S. Tamiami Trail, Gibsonton, FL 33534.
This story is part of Hillsborough County's 50-for-50 Series, a historic review of some of the memorable events, dates, and people in the history of Hillsborough Fire Rescue, which was born on Aug. 27, 1973.
Want to know more? Read additional stories that show the growth, bravery, and specialized operations of Hillsborough County's largest department.