Honoring Byrd’s 28 years of county service

Historic City News will join friends and former county officials at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow to honor former County Commission Chairman, 97 year-old Earl W. Byrd; the oldest living retired St. Johns County Commissioner and County Official.

Byrd’s daughter, Kathy Strickland, who lives in Hastings, said that this recognition is a wonderful gesture. In addition to former commissioners Herbie Wiles, Ed Cooksey, Fred Green and several friends and others who worked and served with Byrd, his daughter and one of Byrd’s nephews are expected to attend the ceremony.

Through various terms totaling 28 years, Byrd served as County Commissioner from 1946 to 1978.

Byrd is being honored and recognized during the St. Johns County Commission meeting at 11:30 a.m. to accommodate his transportation requirements. The regular meeting will convene Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in the County Auditorium; located at 500 San Sebastian View in St. Augustine.

Earl Byrd was born and raised in St. Johns County and still resides in Flagler Estates with his wife, Lois. Byrd is a grandfather of two, a great-grandfather to seven, and, just recently became a great-great-grandfather.

During his career he was a prominent farmer in Elkton and Hastings, Commissioner Byrd was inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1989 as well as the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News Editor Michael Gold