John H. Land facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Land
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Land announcing his 2013 campaign for mayor
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| Mayor of Apopka, Florida | |
| In office January 1, 1971 – April 22, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Leonard Hurst |
| Succeeded by | Joe Kilsheimer |
| In office January 1, 1950 – January 1, 1968 |
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| Preceded by | Dr. C. H. Damsel |
| Succeeded by | Leonard Hurst |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 5, 1920 Plant City, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | November 22, 2014 (aged 94) Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Betty Hall Land |
| Profession | politician |
John Horting Land (born November 5, 1920 – died November 22, 2014) was a very important mayor in Florida. He served as the Mayor of Apopka, Florida, for an amazing 61 years! This makes him the longest-serving mayor in Florida's history and one of the longest-serving mayors in the entire United States. He was mayor from 1950 to 1968, and then again from 1971 until 2014.
Contents
John Land's Early Life and Military Service
John Land was born in Plant City, Florida, in 1920. He moved to Apopka when he was very young.
Joining the Army in World War II
John Land went to the University of Florida. But in April 1942, he joined the United States Army to fight in World War II. He was part of the troops who helped free people from the Dachau concentration camp in Germany in 1945.
After the war ended, he stayed in Europe. He helped with train transportation during the Nuremberg Trials. These trials were where important Nazi leaders were judged for their crimes. John Land was promoted to Captain in the Army.
Life After the War
When he returned home, the University of Florida gave him an honorary degree. After his military service, John Land worked in businesses. He worked in making wooden crates and also in a bulk oil plant.
John Land's Long Career as Mayor
John Land was first chosen as Mayor of Apopka, Florida, in 1949. He officially started his job on January 1, 1950. He served as mayor until 1968.
Returning to Lead Apopka
In 1970, the people of Apopka elected him mayor again. He then served continuously until 2014. In January 2014, Mayor Land celebrated his 61st year in office. He also helped lead the Florida League of Cities, which is a group that supports cities across Florida.
On March 8, 2011, the Florida House of Representatives and Senate honored him. They recognized him as the longest-serving mayor in Florida. He was also the longest-serving full-time mayor in the United States.
End of His Mayoral Term
On April 8, 2014, John Land ran for re-election but lost. Joe Kilsheimer became the new mayor of Apopka.
John Land was also the president of the Rotary Club of Apopka. Rotary International is a worldwide service organization. He joined the Rotary Club in 1949.
John Land's Passing
On November 21, 2014, John Land had a serious stroke. He passed away the next day in a hospital in Orlando, Florida. He was 94 years old.
Hundreds of people came to City Hall to pay their respects. His funeral service was held at the Apopka Community Center. He was carried through the city in a special horse-drawn carriage. The carriage paused in front of the building where he first went to school. This building later became City Hall, where he led almost all of his 61 years of mayoral meetings.
The carriage then arrived at Edgewood-Greenwood Cemetery. Police, emergency services, and a United States Army honor guard were there to salute him.
See also
In Spanish: John H. Land para niños
