1. Longtime Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson
2. Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson’s death.
Remembering Nora Patterson: A Dedicated Public Servant
Sarasota County mourns the loss of longtime commissioner Nora Patterson, who passed away on Thursday, Feb. 8, at the age of 79. She leaves behind a legacy of public service and a lasting impact on the community.
A Life of Service and Dedication
Nora Patterson and her husband John made Sarasota their home in 1970. Throughout her life, she wore many hats – a teacher, small business owner, realtor, and dedicated public servant.
In 1998, Patterson was first elected to the Sarasota County board of commissioners, where she served for three terms as chair until 2014. Prior to her role on the county commission, she also spent eight years on the City of Sarasota commission, including a term as mayor.
Her dedication to public service extended beyond local government. Patterson represented Sarasota County on regional boards such as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which advised the Florida Department of Transportation on transportation planning in Manatee and Sarasota counties. She also served on various local boards, including Teen Court of Sarasota, the Jewish Family and Children’s Service, and the Plymouth Harbor Board of Trustees.
Patterson’s commitment to healthcare and women’s rights was evident through her role as president of the board of directors of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. In 2016, she even ran for the Florida state senate, demonstrating her passion for making a difference at the state level.
Condolences and Fond Memories
Upon hearing the news of Nora Patterson’s passing, friends, colleagues, and community leaders expressed their heartfelt condolences.
Former Visit Sarasota County president Virginia Haley took to Facebook to share her sentiments, saying, “I cannot put into words what Nora meant to our community and to me personally.”
Jon Thaxton, a longtime friend and former fellow Sarasota County commissioner, described Patterson as the quintessential example of an elected official. He praised her intelligence, compassion, thoroughness, and unwavering commitment to the public’s interest. Thaxton emphasized the rarity of finding someone in power who is as pure of heart as Patterson.
Sarasota County administrator Jonathan Lewis honored Patterson’s dedication and service, acknowledging that her impact will continue to shine throughout the community due to the relationships she formed during her decades of public service.
A Lasting Legacy
In recognition of her many years of public service, Bay Island Park was renamed Nora Patterson Bay Island Park in 2019. The park has since undergone significant improvements, further enhancing Patterson’s legacy in the community.
Additionally, Nora and John Patterson were deeply committed to Kim’s Fund, established in memory of their daughter Kim, who tragically passed away from leukemia during high school. Kim’s Fund supports leukemia research and provides financial assistance to patients undergoing treatment for leukemia at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Nora Patterson’s passing leaves a void in Sarasota County, but her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve their communities with the same level of passion and integrity.
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– Longtime Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson
– Longtime Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson died.
