On a recent visit to the Deep South Family Barbecue the book “The Last Lonely Eagle – the untold inside story of the 1975 Dick Cloud murder case” was on the counter. It was there because the brother of owner Clay Greer is Florida Highway Patrol officer Al Greer who had the major break in the case. Al pulled over a van for an expired tag. He then found that the driver Edward Bruns had outstanding traffic warrants and arrested him. Edward told Al Greer that he knew who killed McCloud. The killer had confessed to Edward while he was drunk. This was the break in the case and led to a number of criminals being arrested.
The Last Lonely Eagle explores the later life, murder, and resulting investigation of Dick Cloud. Detective Cloud was a Tampa Police Officer who the Miami Herald once referred to “Tampa’s Super Cop.” He was accused of assaulting suspects and was cleared, but was forced off the force over his refusal to take a lie detector test. The book details how leadership of the Tampa police force were out to get Dick Cloud. Mr. Cloud left the police force and was working as a Private Investigator at the time of his death.
The Last Lonely Eagle also explores the criminal underbelly of Tampa in the 1970s. There was was still significant crime happening just below the surface. The bolita numbers gambling of the past was starting to fade, being replaced with drug trade. Even though many of the powers that be at the time denied the existence of organized crime in Tampa, there is ample evidence of its existence.
The Last Lonely Eagle is written by Dick Burdette a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel Star. He uses newspaper accounts from the time, his own experiences with the case, and the help of several people deeply involved in the case. Mr. Burdette’s original manuscript was completed in 1979, but the story was painful to finish at that time, working on it meant reliving horrible events. The 4 copies of that manuscript were misplaced. In August 2013, the manuscript was found in a box with old newspapers. Mr Burdette then finished the book.
The Last Lonely Eagle provides an unvarnished look at a seedier side of Tampa’s history. Many of the people mentioned will be familiar if you grew up in the area. The names Meyer Lansky, Santo Trafficante, Police Chief Babe Littleton, and a number of other characters will add color to your knowledge of Tampa’s history.
The “Last Lonely Eagle” can be purchased at the Deep South Family Barbecue Restaurant. It can also be found on Amazon or ordered from your local bookstore.
Deep South Family Barbecue is located at 7247 Cedar Ln, Brooksville, FL 34601