City of Tampa, Florida – Sarasota Mayor Lou Ann Palmer, a public servant for 35 years, today was given the "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Florida League of Cities.
She began her public career as a member of the Sarasota Planning Board in 1973, and subsequently served as City Commissioner, Charter Review Committee member, Planning Board member and City Commissioner, includingseveral one-year terms as Mayor.
She also served on the Doctor's Hospital Board of Directors, the Tourist Development Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, the Sarasota Key Rotary Club and a Trustee of the Hospice of Southwest Florida.
She also taught in Sarasota public schools until her retirement after 31 years, including at Sarasota High School from which shewas graduated.
She announced last spring she will not seek re-election when her term as mayor expires next April.
