DeSantis orders flags at half staff to honor late congressman, state official Bill Gunter

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed the U.S. and state flags at half staff to honor Bill Gunter, who was a state lawmaker, member of Congress and the elected state treasurer, according to a memo released Thursday.

In a memo to Leon County Commission chair Carolyn Cummings and Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, DeSantis said flags will be flown at half-staff "as a mark of respect" at the Leon County Courthouse, Tallahassee City Hall and the State Capitol "from sunrise to sunset, on Monday, April 29, 2024."

Gunter, who died in Tallahassee April 8 at the age of 89, "displayed a life-long commitment to public service," DeSantis said.

As previously reported, a memorial service for Gunter will be held that Monday at 10 a.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 120 W. Park Ave., Tallahassee. A reception will follow the service, also at the church.

His political career began in 1966 when he was elected to the Florida Senate as a Democrat, representing Orange and Seminole Counties. In 1972, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as the first member from Florida's new 5th Congressional District.

Gunter returned to Florida in 1976, serving on the Florida Cabinet as state insurance commissioner, treasurer and state fire marshal for the next 12 years, when that role was elected. The state's Cabinet system was later reorganized. He also briefly ran but dropped out of the 1986 race for Florida governor.

Previously: Bill Gunter, 89, former congressman and state official, dies at Tallahassee home

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Gov. DeSantis orders flags at half staff to honor Bill Gunter