By Eryn Russell
Florida League of Cities

The John Land Years of Service Award from the Florida League of Cities (FLC) honors elected municipal officials who have reached a milestone number of years of service to their city council or commission. It recognizes those who have reached 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of elected service.

The program was named the John Land Years of Service Award to honor Apopka Mayor John Land, who served his City from 1949 to 2014 and is believed to be one of the longest-serving mayors in the country. Since 2004, the FLC has recognized over 440 officials for their years of service, equaling over 10,800 years of service to their communities.

This year’s honorees are:

  • 40 Years of Service: Former Commissioner Jim Catron, City of Madison, and Mayor Louie Davis, City of Waldo
  • 35 Years of Service: Commissioner Jimmy Weekley, City of Key West
  • 30 Years of Service: Commissioner David Durastanti, City of Bowling Green; Mayor Jay G. Foy, Town of Haverhill; Commissioner Charlie Miranda, City of Tampa; and Mayor Catherine D. Robinson, City of Bunnell
  • 25 Years of Service: Commissioner Esther E. Berry, City of South Bay; Commissioner Mali Gardner, City of Clewiston; Vice Mayor Sarah Reece, City of Altamonte Springs; and Vice Mayor Isaac Salver, Town of Bay Harbor Islands
  • 20 Years of Service: Mayor Angelo Castillo, City of Pembroke Pines; Mayor Buddy Dyer, City of Orlando; Commissioner Monty Farnsworth, City of Newberry; Mayor Ken Larsen, Town of Interlachen; Mayor Bill Partington, City of Ormond Beach; Mayor William M. Queen, Town of North Redington Beach; Commissioner Patty Sheehan, City of Orlando; and former Commissioner Iris Siple, City of Pembroke Pines

Elected officials recognized through this program receive a resolution and lapel pin marking their years of service.

Eryn Russell is the Member Services Administrator for the Florida League of Cities.