Council Member Dewey Destin was presented with the John Land Years of Service Award from the Florida League of Cities at Monday night’s city council meeting, recognizing his 25 years of elected service to the city that bears his family’s name.
- Mayor Bobby Wagner read the resolution from the League’s board of directors, which commended Destin for his “dedication to the city of Destin” and recognized him as “an outstanding public servant throughout the state of Florida.”
The John Land Years of Service Award is named for John Land, who served as mayor of Apopka for a total of 61 years and was the longest-serving mayor in Florida history. The award honors municipal elected officials who have demonstrated long-term commitment to local governance.
The resolution noted that years of service in elected office bring “strengthened wisdom, discernment, and strong leadership skills that bring tremendous value to the municipal government of Florida.”
Destin kept his remarks brief, saying it was “a real honor” to receive the recognition.
- “I appreciate that the League has presented it and is paying attention to what we’re doing over here,” Destin said.
He also used the moment to praise outgoing city clerk Rey Bailey, who was honored at the same meeting for his 26 years of service to the city.
“It has been an honor to serve with Rey all these years,” Destin said. “He’s been a man that has displayed integrity and honesty, and most of all, patience with the shenanigans that he has to put up from his elected officials.”
