Fred Hearns was born in the Bronx, New York, and grew up in Tampa, Florida. A graduate of George S. Middleton High School, he earned a B. A. Degree from the University of South Florida (USF).
Hearns worked as a reporter for several newspapers in Florida and as sports information director at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Hearns was hired in 1975 to work for the Executive Assistant to the Tampa’s Mayor, Alton White, and worked for the city for 32 years. He retired in 2007 as director of the Department of Community Affairs.
Hearns launched Fred Hearns Tours LLC and conducted Tampa history tours from 2007-2019 and is a trusted consultant for Florida history projects.
Hearns holds masters degrees from Springfield College (Human Services) and from USF (Africana Studies) and currently is a candidate for the Ph.D. in anthropology at USF.
Hearns is the father of four adult children and has five grandchildren. He has been a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. since 1977 and worships at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church. Hearns lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.