Lasting Imprints
Sometimes you don't realize how special someone is until they are gone, but in the cases of Brian West and Tripp Nugent, it was clear they were going to leave incredible legacies because of how they lived each day. Both of them would light up rooms when they arrived and their zeal for life was contagious. Lakeland, Central Florida and the world are better places because of their presence, and it's our pleasure to offer a tribute to two individuals whom we truly define as heroes.
A Faithful Man Who Naturally Invested in Almost Everyone He Met
Wherever Brian West was there was likely laughter, encouragement, community and camaraderie. Known by many locals at the region’s “Face of Publix,” the longtime Publix Community Relations Manager was a lynchpin of the Plant City Community, a faithful man of God and beloved husband, father, friend and colleague.
In a tribute to Brian, Publix released a statement following his unexpected passing on June 22, 2026:
“Brian wore his heart on his sleeve. He celebrated others’ successes, felt deeply for those facing challenges and never hesitated to lend a hand. His compassion extended far beyond the workplace. He cared deeply about hunger in his community, giving generously of his time and inspiring others to do the same. He was also passionate about supporting Special Olympics, reflecting his unwavering commitment to inclusion and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Tribute by Cindy Griffin, CEO/Founder of Berry Amaz’N
Photos provided by Cindy Griffin, sourced online and provided by Publix
Over the past 25 years, I had the honor and privilege of working alongside Brian on countless committees, grand openings, the Strawberry Ball, Gasparilla and many Florida Strawberry Festival events. We spent a lot of time together serving our community, solving problems and celebrating successes. Through all of those years, one thing never changed. Brian was always the same genuine, encouraging and faithful person.
One of the things I will always remember was his sense of humor. Anytime I said something funny or caught him off guard, he would smile and say, “Have y’all met Cindy yet?” It became one of those sayings that everyone around him recognized. It always made us laugh, and it perfectly reflected the joy he brought into everyday conversations. Brian had a gift for making people feel comfortable, and he could brighten a room without ever trying to be the center of attention.
My friendship with Brian extended well beyond work. I was blessed to spend time with Jennifer, Elisabeth, Elijah, Emory and Brian on many occasions. Those times were filled with laughter, good conversations and memories that I will always treasure. Brian also served as our Sunday School teacher for several years. He never acted like someone who had all the answers. Instead, he taught with humility, listened well, and encouraged people to grow in their faith through the way he lived his own life.
Our family business, The Chocolate Strawberry Express, has been part of the Florida Strawberry Festival for many years. It was there that Elisabeth and Elijah worked their very first jobs dipping chocolate strawberries. Watching them learn responsibility and grow into young adults was special for our family as well. Before long, Emory will be joining us, and I know Brian would have been proud to see that day.
Through my company, Berry Amaz’N, I had the opportunity to invite Elijah and Emory to help during the grand opening of a new store in Winter Haven. Their job was simple. They handed out goody bags to the first 300 customers as they left the store. What mattered most was not the task itself but the opportunity for them to witness everything their dad had invested to make that store a success. They were able to see firsthand the planning, leadership and commitment that Brian brought to every project.
When all the goody bags had been handed out, Brian asked us to join him for breakfast. At the time it felt like another ordinary morning between friends following a successful event. We shared a meal, talked about work, laughed together and then went our separate ways. I never imagined that it would be the last meal I would ever have with him. Looking back, that breakfast has become one of those memories I hold especially close.
Brian had a way with words that was unlike anyone else I have known. I have often thought of him as a verbal bouquet. He knew how to encourage people when they needed it most. Whether someone was facing a challenge, celebrating a victory or simply having a difficult day, Brian always seemed to know the right thing to say. His words were sincere because they came from his heart.
Whenever I think about Brian, one word comes to mind: ship. Not because he was somehow like a vessel on the water, but because of what those letters represent. Fellowship. Companionship. Friendship. Relationship. Mentorship. Those qualities defined the way Brian lived. He invested in people, he believed relationships were worth building and he gave his time generously without expecting anything in return.
Brian also lived as an example. His faith guided him. His character earned respect. His work ethic inspired others. Most of all, he loved his family with his whole heart, and there was never any doubt how deeply they loved him in return. That love could be seen in the way they supported one another and in the pride Brian had whenever he spoke about them.
“Brian had a way with words that was unlike anyone else I have known. I have often thought of him as a verbal bouquet. He knew how to encourage people when they needed it most.”
People often say that God will never give you more than you can handle. Over the years, I have come to see it a little differently. I believe God helps us handle what we have been given. During times of joy and during seasons of heartbreak, He walks beside us and gives us the strength to keep moving forward. Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings.” If there was ever a verse that described Brian, I believe that is the one.
Brian leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves behind a lasting example of faith, kindness and service. His influence lives on through his family, through the countless people he mentored, and through every life he touched. I will always be grateful that God allowed our paths to cross. I was fortunate to work beside him, learn from him, laugh with him and most of all, call him my friend.
A Big Legacy for Lakeland’s Little Hero
In April 2024, The Tampa Bay Times celebrated the life of a young fan who players and coaches had quickly come to love and look forward to visiting. The truth is that little boy, Tripp Nugent, had and has fans across the globe because of his infectious love for life and the courage with which he fought pediatric cancer for nearly a year and a half.
Today, the Team Trippy Foundation brings hope, joy and comfort to families going through the same battle the Nugent family endured. The foundation provides financial and emotional support, assistance with travel and expenses, and provides experiences that a family can cherish. The former LCS student passed away at the age of 7, but his impact will live on forever.
Tribute by Nick Nugent, Tripp’s Father
Photos provided by Nick Nugent
Some people spend a lifetime trying to leave the world a better place. Tripp Nugent did it in just seven years.
Nicholas “Tripp” Nugent III came into this world with a smile, and it never left his face. He had an infectious laugh, a mischievous grin and a personality much bigger than his size. Whether he was meeting someone for the first time or spending the day with his family and friends, Trippy had an incredible ability to make people feel happy. He loved flag football, the Tampa Bay Lightning, golf, animals, superheroes and playing with his sister, Lexie. Most of all, he loved life. Simply put, everything made him happy.
In September 2022, at just 6 years old, Tripp was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), one of the deadliest forms of childhood brain cancers.
Families who hear those four letters quickly learn there is no cure and very little hope. The average survival time is less than a year.
Over the next 18 months, Tripp would endure 73 sessions of radiation in his brain and spine, four brain surgeries, multiple clinical trials, dozens of MRI scans, spinal taps and infusions, Car-T-Cell Therapy and hundreds of blood draws. My wife and I traveled with him all over the country in search of a cure. Not once did he ever complain and somehow always did it with a smile on his face and an addictive, happy attitude.
We made a promise that every day would count. As they quickly adapted a motto of “Say yes to life!” Together, we packed a lifetime of memories into those precious months. Tripp surfed in Hawaii, went skiing in New Hampshire, swam with manatees, had an amazing visit with Dude Perfect, became fast friends with Jon Cooper and the Lightning players, found a mini golf course in every city he was being treated, had countless Fortnite battles, and even on the days he didn’t feel his best he laughed through it all. He taught everyone around him that life isn’t measured by the number of days we have, but by what we choose to do with them.
What made Tripp extraordinary wasn’t just his courage—it was the way he inspired others to become better versions of themselves. He believed that a smile and a laugh can turn a bad day into a great day. Ask anyone a phrase Trippy was known for and most will tell you it’s “yeah sure!” He was always ready and willing for anything. Teachers, classmates, neighbors, doctors, nurses, first responders, professional athletes and complete strangers found themselves drawn to his optimism.
Thousands of people followed his journey, not because they were watching a child battle cancer, but because they were watching a little boy show the world how to live with gratitude, kindness and hope. Whether here in Lakeland, or in our second home of Hanson, Mass., Trippy’s impact can be seen everywhere.
Tripp left this earth on March 31, 2024, after an 18-month battle with DIPG.
However, his story doesn’t end there. His contagious smile, unwavering positivity and the joy he brought to everyone around him continue to live on through the Team Trippy Foundation, created by his family to support children and families facing pediatric cancer. What began as a community rallying around one remarkable little boy has grown into a mission of bringing hope, comfort and support to others facing the unimaginable. Whether it’s a family beach trip or a VIP day to a theme park, the mission is simple, make families smile through it, just like Tripp. Trippy’s legacy continues to inspire people to choose hope, embrace life and make every day count.
“Heroes don’t always wear uniforms or save lives in dramatic moments. Sometimes they are seven-year-old boys with contagious smiles who teach adults lessons they’ll never forget.”
The Team Trippy Golf Classic held annually in Massachusetts has become more than a fundraiser. It has become a celebration of the way one child united an entire community. Friends, businesses, volunteers and supporters gather each year not only to raise money, but to remember a little boy who reminded all of us what truly matters.
Heroes don’t always wear uniforms or save lives in dramatic moments. Sometimes they are 7-year-old boys with contagious smiles who teach adults lessons they’ll never forget. Parents will hopefully squeeze their children a little tighter, and those who have difficult cancer journeys can find a little more strength and courage while following Tripp’s lead.
Lakeland has been home to many remarkable people, but few have left an impact as profound as Tripp Nugent. His life was far too short, yet his influence continues to ripple through our community every single day.
That is why Tripp is one of Lakeland’s heroes—not because of the battle he fought, but because of the life he lived, the hope he inspired, and the legacy of love he continues to leave behind. #teamtrippy.