Honoring city officials who have passed away for the legacies they left on their municipalities.
Shirley Gibson
David Panicola
Jeannett Slesnick
Shirley Gibson
Former Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson died October 16, 2023, at age 79. Gibson was the first mayor of Miami Gardens and one of the leaders behind its incorporation. She served as Mayor from the time of the City’s establishment in 2003 until she termed out in 2012. Gibson served 17 years as a Miami Dade police officer and was a business owner for more than 15 years. She had co-hosted the “Miami Talk” radio program. “Mayor Gibson was a pioneer and a visionary in our community,” said Mayor Rodney Harris. “She was very instrumental in the establishment and evaluation of Miami Gardens. Her legacy of leadership and dedication to our City will always be remembered.”
David Panicola
Indian Harbour Beach Deputy Mayor David Panicola died September 9, 2023, at age 56. Panicola was elected City Mayor in 2015 and served until 2019. He served on City Council since 2003 and was Deputy Mayor for four terms from 2005 to the present. Panicola was a volunteer firefighter for over seven years. He also volunteered as the Safety Officer for two years on the Indian Harbour Beach Little League Board in 2001-2002.
Jeannett Slesnick
Former Coral Gables City Commissioner Jeannett Slesnick died August 3, 2023, at age 76. Slesnick served as City Commissioner from 2015 to 2017 and was deeply involved in the Coral Gables Garden Club, the Coral Gables Museum, the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, Coral Gables Senior High School, the Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board, the Junior League of Miami and many community organizations.
Edward Bass
Denise Lee
Paul Hannan
Patrick “Pat” Fitzpatrick
Denise Lee
Former Jacksonville City Councilwoman Denise Lee died August 29, 2023, at age 71. Lee represented her community for more than 20 years on the Jacksonville City Council, in the Florida House of Representatives and as an appointed member of the Jacksonville Civil Service Board. She ensured that neighborhoods were improved and parks were built while infrastructure, roads and drainage were enhanced. “Lee embodied what it means to be a public servant,” Mayor Donna Deegan said. “She was a relentless fighter for what was best for the City. The positive legacy of her work can be felt throughout all of Jacksonville.”
Paul Hannan
Lady Lake Commissioner Paul Hannan died July 3, 2023, at age 87. Hannan was elected to the Town Commission in 2004 and served Ward Four continuously since that time. He was recently honored for his support of Town employees. Hannan previously sat on the Lake Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization Board and the Town of Lady Lake Planning and Zoning Board. He was a member of the Central Florida Corvair Club.
Patrick “Pat” Fitzpatrick
Crystal River City Councilman Patrick “Pat” Fitzpatrick died June 7, 2023, at age 66. Fitzpatrick was a banker and a former Clemson football player, “but most importantly, Patrick Fitzpatrick was a family man,” said Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek in a statement. “We give thanks for Pat, his incredible service to Crystal River, and the time we had with him. Pat has made Crystal River a much better place, and we are grateful for him.”
Edward Bass
Apopka City Administrator Edward Bass died June 20, 2023, at age 50. Bass became city administrator in April 2018 and served the City of Apopka for over 17 years. A proclamation was read in honor of Bass at the June 21 Apopka City Council meeting. The Administrative Conference Room at City Hall will be named in his honor.
