George Firestone (May 13, 1931 – March 2, 2012) was an American politician and businessman from the U.S. state of Florida. A Democrat, he served as the 20th Florida Secretary of State from 1979 to 1987.
George Firestone | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 20th Secretary of State of Florida | |
| In office 1979 – August 5, 1987 | |
| Governor | Bob Graham |
| Preceded by | Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | James C. Smith |
| Member of the Florida Senate | |
| In office 1972–1978 | |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives | |
| In office 1966–1972 | |
| Succeeded by | Carey Matthews |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 13, 1931 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | March 2, 2012 (aged 80) Hollywood, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
Early life
editFirestone was born in New York City in 1931. He moved to Miami, Florida with his family as a child in 1936. Firestone served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1952.[1]
Career
editAfter leaving the Army, Firestone returned to Miami, where he established a security firm and cleaning business.[2]
Firestone was elected to the Florida House of Representatives from Dade and Monroe counties in 1966. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 1972, where he served until 1978.[3] He was elected Secretary of State of Florida in 1978 and was reelected twice, serving until he resigned on August 5, 1987.[4]
He used the Secretary of State's position as chief cultural officer to promoted the arts, He also helped update the Florida seal to include the sabal palm. During his tenure, he also traveled a great deal to promote foreign investment in Florida, and was a supporter for Free Trade Zones in the state.
Personal life
editLater in life, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. On March 2, 2012, he died in a Hollywood, Florida assisted living facility at the age of 80.[3]
References
edit- ^ "George Firestone - Division of Cultural Affairs - Florida Department of State". dos.myflorida.com. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
- ^ TEPROFF, CARLI. "Former Florida Secretary of State Firestone dies". The Palm Beach Post. Archived from the original on 2020-12-05. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
- ^ a b Teproff, Carli (March 2, 2012). "Former Florida Secretary of State George Firestone dies". The Miami Herald. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
- ^ Firestone resigns; Smith takes place