St. Pete Standard

St. Petersburg, FL (March 21, 2024) - Today, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Gibbs High School Basketball Coach Larry Murphy, and the Gibbs High School Basketball Team will be honored for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the community.

During the ceremony, both Valdes-Scantling and Coach Murphy will be presented with Keys to the City, while each Gibbs student-athlete will receive a Distinguished Citizen Award. This recognition highlights the impact these individuals have had on Tampa Bay and beyond.

St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and St. Petersburg City Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders will be leading the presentation, underlining the significance of the event for the city. Additionally, several Pinellas County school board members will be in attendance to commemorate the achievements of the honorees.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a native of St. Petersburg who attended Lakewood High School, has excelled in his football career, notably winning the 2023 and 2024 Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Larry Murphy, the esteemed head basketball coach and PE teacher at Gibbs High School, guided the Gibbs High School Gladiators Boys Basketball team to a historic state championship victory, marking the first win in 55 years. Murphy's leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the team's success.

The ceremony, taking place at City Hall in the Council Chambers, symbolizes the city's appreciation for these exceptional individuals and their remarkable achievements.