Honoring city officials who have passed away for the legacies they left on their municipalities.
Billy Carlton
Former Hawthorne Mayor William A. “Billy” Carlton died March 29, 2024, at age 97. Carlton was a lifelong resident of Hawthorne. He served on the City Commission for 20-plus years. Carlton was known as a family man, and he owned and operated several businesses with his wife. He attended St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Hawthorne. “He had a great deal of understanding of the City of Hawthorne, its residents, businesses and government,” the City said in a released statement. “He will be missed.”
Robert E. “Bob” Daniels
Former Venice Vice Mayor Robert E. “Bob” Daniels died February 8, 2024, at age 81. Daniels was elected to the Venice City Council in 2010 and held that position until 2019. He served as Vice Mayor in 2018. Daniels championed the treatment of stormwater outfalls throughout the City and the curbing of stormwater runoff pollution through fertilizer restrictions. He worked to preserve the Pinebrook Park Nature and Fitness Trail. Daniels was an advocate for first responders, and the Venice Police Department’s facility on East Venice Avenue was approved during his tenure.
Dan Vincent
Former Lady Lake Commissioner Dan Vincent died December 15, 2023, at age 88. Vincent stepped down as Commissioner in 2021 after 10 years as a representative of Ward 3. He subsequently was appointed to the Lady Lake Planning and Zoning Board. Vincent was a native of Kansas and an Army veteran. He retired from a career with AT&T. The Town released a statement that said, “Throughout his tenure, former Commissioner Vincent demonstrated a passion for public service, striving to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Lady Lake. His efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and constituents alike.”
Former Hawthorne Mayor William A. “Billy” Carlton
Former Venice Vice Mayor Robert E. “Bob” Daniels
Lady Lake Commissioner Dan Vincent
Jim Purvis
Jim Purvis, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member for the City of Clermont, died December 11, 2023, at age 82. Purvis served on the City Council since 2019. Purvis worked in the insurance industry and then ran a private business before retiring. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and the U.S. Army for more than 12 years. “It was an honor to know and work with Jim, as well as call him a friend,” Mayor Tim Murry said. “I thank God for placing him in my life, as I learned a great deal from him, and I will always cherish those memories. The City and I will forever be in debt to Jim for his wisdom, insight, frankness and, above all, the love he bestowed.”
Carie Shealy
Carie Shealy, City Clerk for the City of Cocoa, died December 10, 2023, at age 47. Shealy, who served the City for the last 16 years, was known for her dedication to her job and family. She started her service to the City as a Recording Secretary and moved up to Assistant City Clerk and then City Clerk. Shealy was regarded as the driving force behind the scenes and someone who ensured the community functioned smoothly. She was known for being passionate and made a lasting impact on those who crossed her path. “Carie will always be remembered by her colleagues for her kindness, professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond in every task undertaken,” said Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake.
James “Jim” Jennings
Former Sanibel City Councilmember James “Jim” Jennings died November 27, 2023 at age 76. Jennings served on the Sanibel City Council for 14 years and held the second-longest tenure of a Councilmember. He also served briefly as Mayor after Hurricane Charlie. His accomplishments include the construction of the Community Park, the funding and development of the Sanibel Recreation Center and moving the City to the forefront of water quality advocacy at the regional and state level. Jennings had served on the Board of Directors for the Florida League of Cities and as President for the Southwest Florida League of Cities. Mayor Richard Johnson said, “Jim, as most of us knew him, was a leader on Sanibel in the development of relationships beyond our shores. He was known for helping others by finding common ground for all to consider and appreciate.”
