Dr. Paul Sheehy, Sir., was one of the first African American physicians practicing medicine in a segregated society. A Tampa native, Dr. Sheehy was one of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph (Anna) Sheehy.

After completing high school at Booker T. Washington High, Dr. Sheehy continued his education at Florida A & M College in 1936, with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. He returned to Tampa and taught Biology and Science at Middleton High School.

Following a stint in the U.S. Army during World War II, Dr. Sheehy enrolled at Meharry Medical College, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1950. Returning home after completing his Internship and Residency at Harlem Hospital in 1951, Dr. Sheehy opened a private medical practice to serve his community.

He served as Chief of Medicine at the former Lilly White Hospital. He was known for performing many free physical exams for exams for students for more than 30 years and was a dedicated educator, leader, mentor, father and husband.

P.L. Sheehy Elementary is named in his honor.