9,487
edits
Changes
m
no edit summary
The bill was passed and, along with appropriations drafted by Hopkins, allowed the creation of the [[University of West Florida]]. During his time in office, the ''St. Petersburg Times'' recognized Hopkins has one of the state's top 10 lawmakers.
At the end of his military and political careers, he and his brother [[E. W. Hopkins, Jr.]] enrolled at the University of Florida, where they were in the same fraternity. J. B. graduated in 1961 and earned his juris doctorate from the school in 1967 — the same year [[UWF]] opened its doors. He returned to Pensacola and entered , entering private practiceand helping to found the [[Hadji Shrine Temple]]. He served as the group's first potentate, in 1967 and 1968.
Upset by the [[Pensacola Country Club]]'s policy at the time not to accept Jewish members, Hopkins founded the [[Scenic Hills Country Club]] on [[Nine Mile Road]] in {{date needed}}. It was the first area country club to be open to minorities. He was also instrumental in organizing the [[Hadji Shrine Temple]] in {{date needed}}.
Hopkins was heavily involved in the community and served with over 65 non-profit organizations, including the [[Escambia County Mental Health Association]], the [[Pensacola Historical Society]] and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.