Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis is retiring and recently was recognized by his City for his years of distinguished public service and leadership.

In a released statement, the City said, “He has set the bar very high for his successors and leaves a legacy of city growth and improvement, exemplary community service and a very grateful city that appreciates all he has done with integrity, dedication and compassion.”

Ortis has been a resident of Pembroke Pines since 1977. He stepped into the political arena in 1996 as a Pembroke Pines City Commissioner. He then served as Vice Mayor in 1998 and 2002. After serving two terms as City Commissioner, he was elected Mayor in 2004 and re-elected four times.

Ortis was elected President of the Broward League of Cities (BLC) for the 2005-2006 term. He also served on the Boards of the United States Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities. He was President of the Florida League of Mayors and a member of Leadership Florida.

Ortis was named the 2013 winner of the E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida League of Cities (FLC). The award honors a local elected official who has made a lasting and worthwhile contribution to the citizens of Florida through their efforts and dedication in the performance of their duties on the local level. He also was presented the 2012 Public Leadership in the Arts Award and was named the Cities of Excellence “Mayor of the Year” by the FLC.

The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, a multifaceted exhibition and learning space in Pembroke Pines, was named after him for his decades-long commitment to the cultural arts. He also loves mingling with residents at his business, The Mayor’s Café.

Ortis is married and has a son, two stepsons, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.