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Obituaries Former Largo City Manager Norton (Mac) Craig II
Former Largo City Manager Norton (Mac) Craig II died August 2 at age 84.
Craig began his career with the City as Environmental Services Director in 2000 following his retirement from the U.S. Army. He served as Assistant City Manager for two years and then as City Manager from 2007-2016. During his time as City Manager, several improvements were made to city infrastructure, including the building of the Highland Recreation Complex and the Largo Community Center. “Mac was a calm and compassionate leader,” said Mayor Woody Brown. “His many contributions to our City will be frequent reminders of his generosity and his love for Largo.”
St. Cloud City Council Member Charles (Chuck) Cooper
St . Cloud City Council Member Charles (Chuck) Cooper died June
11 at age 72. Cooper’s service to the City spanned nearly four decades. He served on the City Council from 19851988, 1994-1995 and 2016-2021 and was reelected in November 2020. He also served on the City’s Code Enforcement Board from 2003-2016 and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “Chuck Cooper was passionate about the City of St. Cloud,” said City Manager William Sturgeon. “He didn’t hesitate to let you know when he disagreed with you, and I respected that. He always did what he thought was best for the citizens and the City.”
Apalachicola Mayor Kevin Begos Jr.
Apalachicola Mayor Kevin Begos Jr.
died June 19 at age 63. Prior to being elected Mayor in 2019, Begos was an award-winning journalist whose career began with the Apalachicola Times. His passion for seafood led him to Apalachicola, and he was an active member of the community. He led the City through the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic and helped stabilize the City’s finances. “Mayor Begos’ leadership style may have been unorthodox, but he was passionate and expected the same type of passion from his colleagues and staff,” said Mayor Brenda Ash. “Although he served a short period, the effect he had on the City of Apalachicola and the Franklin County community will never be forgotten.”
12 QUALITY CITIES | FOURTH QUARTER 2021
Former Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster
Former Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster died September 6 at age 61.
Forster served on the Village Council for five terms from 2008-2020. He was appointed Mayor for two of those terms and Vice Mayor for another two terms. He was currently serving as a Monroe County Commissioner and was a well-known restauranteur in the Florida Keys. In a released statement, the Village said, “Mike’s service as an Islamorada Council Member, Mayor, business owner and all the charitable work he engaged in to support his fellow community members and to sustain our natural environment will long be remembered.”
Former South Pasadena Mayor Lawrence (Larry) Crowley
Former South Pasadena Mayor Lawrence (Larry) Crowley died June 20 at
age 58. Crowley served as Commissioner from 2004-2012 and as Mayor from 2012-2013. Dedicated to public service, Crowley was also a board member and President of both the Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast and the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg West and served on the University of Florida Advisory Board of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. “Larry Crowley’s passing is a tremendous loss for our entire community,” said Mayor Arthur Penny. “As a member of the City Commission, he helped carry the City through difficult times while maintaining financial stability. As a friend, he was always there with a kind word and smile on his face.”
Fort Pierce City Commissioner Rufus Alexander III
Fort Pierce City Commissioner Rufus Alexander III died July 28 at age 72.
Alexander was first elected to the City Commission in 2001 and served for 20 consecutive years as the District 1 representative. As a third-generation funeral director and General Manager and Vice President of the family-owned business, Alexander was always committed to helping families in need. In a released statement, the City said, “Commissioner Alexander truly embraced the meaning of community – having so much love for the people of Fort Pierce and his hometown. The City of Fort Pierce will be forever grateful and humbled by the legacy that he left.”