Boe Rushing: From Lawyer to Bookstore Owner

Boe Rushing of Back in the Day Books opened the store’s doors in 2010. During his time in Tarpon Springs, Rushing has become more than just a business owner. He is a community leader and plays a vital role in organizing events that bring popularity to the city.

After completing law school in 1993, Rushing became an assistant state attorney. He valued his role in the criminal justice system and said that his career choice was based on a desire to make a positive difference.

Rushing practiced all types of law, but in 2001 a move to Canada would mark the end of his journey through the legal world. He married and moved to Ontario, where he would have to complete more schooling to practice law. That thought was enough for Rushing to call it quits.

Moving to Canada gave him a reason to pursue his real passion: books.

“Honestly, I didn’t really like law,” Rushing confessed.

At the time, the industry for books was booming in Canada. Rushing weighed his options and eventually opened his first bookstore in the spring of 2002. His first shop, Bowman’s Books, had a three year run, but the Rushings were craving change after giving birth to a baby girl.

Rushing and his family relocated to the bay area, but the inventory of his store in Canada was too large to transport.

“I sold off all but a couple thousand of my best books,” said Rushing.

The bay area was not new to Rushing. He grew up in Clearwater and was well acquainted with the communities surrounding it, except for Tarpon Springs. Other than a few walks along the sponge docks and a Greek salad or two, the area was somewhat of a mystery to him.

However, during his time as a lawyer in the ‘90s, Rushing had met some of Tarpon’s lead officials and was drawn to the community.

He visited vacant spaces and found an ideal location in the historic downtown district of Tarpon Avenue. The hundred-year-old building had so much character that Rushing could not turn it down.  

Rushing enhanced the interior with wood shelving, decorative furniture and glass cases to showcase his most prized books.

“I love this spot,” Rushing gushed. “In Florida, you just don’t see old buildings like this.”

Back in the Day Books sold its first book in 2010 and has become a staple on Tarpon Avenue. Rushing carries a little bit of everything but his favorites include collectibles, leather bounds and first editions.

He described his passion for books as a “treasure hunt.” Rushing uses a number of resources to discover impressive gems, from the internet to auctions. His most recent addition to the store includes a handwritten note to General Custer’s wife about Buffalo Bill.

Rushing’s impact on the local economy runs deeper than just operating a small business. As a director of the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association, he has helped organize food truck festivals and weekend events that draw a regional crowd.

As a business owner, Rushing hopes to stay on the block as long as possible. Although he is aware of the demanding digital age, Rushing said that he will “fight until the death” to keep the doors of Back in the Day Books open for business.