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Sanford park no longer honors chief who booted Jackie Robinson from game because of race

Sanford workers on Tuesday took down a sign for Roy Williams Park after commissioners agreed to rename the public space that honored a former police chief who ordered legendary Black baseball player Jackie Robinson to leave a game at a city stadium because of his race.

The grassy park tucked in a quiet downtown neighborhood between Fourth and Eighth streets is now called Elliott Avenue Park. City officials said they expect to put up a new sign with the new moniker by the end of this month.

“We need to get this man’s name off the park,” Commissioner Patrick Austin said.