Frank Cannova

Frank Santo Cannova Jr.
Born	Template:Birth date Lodi, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	November 29, 2005(2005-11-29) (aged 94)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, hotelier, businessman, attorney
Years active	20th century

Frank Santo Cannova Jr. (January 14, 1911 – November 29, 2005) was a prominent American entrepreneur, hotelier, and businessman.

Early life

Frank Jr. was born in Lodi, New Jersey to Sicilian immigrants Francesco and Catherina Cannova (née Triolo). His father arrived in the United States from Sicily at the age of nine and amassed a fortune by his mid-thirties. Initially residing on a ten-acre property in New Jersey, the family later moved to Miami. The elder Cannova's experiences with multiple financial setbacks, including losses during the Great Depression, shaped Frank Jr.'s perspective on the instability of wealth.

Education

Although Cannova left school early to help support his family, he eventually completed his education at Hackensack High School. He graduated from the University of Miami in 1943 and later earned a degree from the University of Miami School of Law. Returning to academia at age 35, he pursued law studies and subsequently held the position of assistant attorney general for Florida.

Career

Cannova served in the United States Army during World War II, beginning as a second lieutenant in the transportation corps and advancing to first lieutenant. In 1968, he moved from Hollywood, Florida to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he broadened his business interests.

Aquatarium

In 1968, Cannova acquired The Aquatarium for $2 million. Nearly ten years later, he initiated a $10 million lawsuit against the city after local commissioners revoked a permit for a water slide, resulting in financial losses.

First America Development Corp.

By 1963, Cannova held the presidency of First America Development Corp., playing a significant role within his business endeavors.

The Hawaiian Inn

In 1974, Cannova's company purchased The Desert Resort and transformed it into The Hawaiian Inn, adopting a Polynesian theme. He served as director and was a principal shareholder of Hawaiian Inns of Florida Inc., with Michael R. Triolo acting as vice-president.

Cannova celebrated his birthday at The Hawaiian Inn in 1975, underscoring its status as a social gathering place. His engagement with entertainment extended further; his photograph and commentary appear on the back cover of an album by Samoan Elvis impersonator Mr. Fatu, which was recorded at the Inn's Aloha Lounge.

After a fire occurred in February 1979, Cannova sold The Hawaiian Inn for roughly $2 million to Resort Inns of America, a well-established regional operator.

Bank of St. Petersburg

In 1988, Cannova gained majority control of the Bank of St. Petersburg, which had previously been under the ownership of Anchor Savings Bank. Within two years, he filed legal action against Anchor Savings Bank, accusing them of providing misleading information regarding the bank’s financial status.

Death

Cannova passed away at age 94 on November 29, 2005, at his residence on Bayway Isle. He was survived by his son Michael, two grandchildren, and sisters Rose and Sally.