Batton Plumbing

Batton Plumbing is currently owned by Mark Hays. The company was originally owned by C J Godsey and opened its doors in the 1930's. The company specialized in older homes in the downtown area. Mr. Godsey was a man of work but also of poetry. As the president of the St. Petersburg Poetry Club he was known to come to work everyday in a suit and tie and read poetry to female customers while his plumbers did the repairs.

Mr. Godsey's apprentice, Bob Wechtel took over the business and renamed the business from Godsey-Wechtel Plumbing to Wechtel Plumbing. Johnny Batton soon joined the business. Years later, after Mr. Wechtel retired, Mr. Batton took over the shop and renamed it Batton Plumbing.