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John Land, Longtime Apopka Mayor, Dies at 94

Mayor John H. Land and First Lady Betty at swearing in, Jan 1 of unknown year of 19 inaugurations. Photo: City of Apopka
Mayor John H. Land and First Lady Betty at swearing in, Jan 1 of unknown year of 19 inaugurations. Photo: City of Apopka

A public viewing is scheduled Wednesday for John Land, the former Apopka mayor who died Saturday.

Land was 94 years old.

He had served as Apopka’s Mayor since 1950 – missing only one term.

He lost his bid for re-election this year to challenger Joe Kilsheimer.

The Florida League of Cities recognizes Land as the longest serving Mayor in State history.

Land suffered a stroke Friday night after receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Tri-County League of Cities.

Brendan Byrne is Central Florida Public Media's Assistant News Director, managing the day-to-day operations of the newsroom, editing daily news stories, and managing the organization's internship program. Byrne also hosts Central Florida Public Media's weekly radio show and podcast "Are We There Yet?" which explores human space exploration, and the weekly news roundup podcast "The Wrap."