SANIBEL MOURNS LOSS OF FORMER MAYOR FRANCIS BAILEY

News Release – For Immediate Release
June 8, 2013
City of Sanibel, FL Contact: City Manager’s Office (239) 472-3700

SANIBEL MOURNS LOSS OF FORMER MAYOR FRANCIS BAILEY 
COMMUNITY’S LONGEST SERVING ELECTED OFFICIAL

Francis P. Bailey
Mayor
1979

Upon notification of the passing of former Mayor Francis P. Bailey Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane issued the following statement:

“Today’s passing of our former Mayor Francis Bailey marks the sun setting on the era of our community’s earliest days.”

Bailey, a lifelong resident of Sanibel, born April 25, 1921, served as Mayor in 1979. Additionally Bailey served on Sanibel City Council from 1974 through 1996 and then an additional term in 1999 making him the longest serving Councilmember and elected official in Sanibel’s history.

Bailey was elected to Sanibel’s first City Council following incorporation. This City Council organized our local government that is utilized today. They adopted the first budget for the City of Sanibel, hired the first City Manager and adopted the City seal and City flag. The first City Council also authorized borrowing of $250,000 repayable over 10 years to provide capital to commence City operation’s and established the first City Hall. While serving, Bailey was a member of the Council that adopted the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan as well as the Community’s zoning and building regulations. Bailey also served on the Council that established the City’s Historical and Vegetation Committees as well as the establishment of the City’s Emergency Preparedness Program.

Francis Bailey was the son of two of the Island’s pioneering families, the Baileys and the Matthews, dating back to 1899 when Bailey’s General Store was first opened by his father. Bailey’s General Store continues to serve residents and Island visitors to this date. After serving our country in World War II Francis Bailey has overseen the operation of Bailey’s General Store. Francis also served our community for many years as a volunteer firefighter and as an elected member of the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Board of Commissioners.

Flags on Sanibel municipal properties have been lowered in honor of the life and contributions of former Mayor Francis P. Bailey. The Bailey family is planning a community celebration of the life of Francis P. Bailey on Sunday, June 16, 2013. The details will be forthcoming.

Source http://www.mysanibel.com/Departments/City-Manager-s-Office/News/SANIBEL-MOURNS-LOSS-OF-FORMER-MAYOR-FRANCIS-BAILEY