 Willie L. Bright was elected in a special election in June 1991 after the passing of W.L. Durant. He was re-elected in 1993 and in subsequent elections. He has served as Mayor ProTem since 1999.
Willie Bright is a native Floridian born in Lawtey, Florida.
Education
Willie Bright is a 1963 graduate of R.J.E. High School in Starke, Florida. He pursued further education in the field of electronics at RETS Electronics in Miami, Florida. He also attended Daytona Beach Junior College from 1966-1968 where his studies were in the field of electronics.
Government Experience
- City Commissioner – June 1991 to present
- Mayor Pro-Tem – 1999 to present
- Spring Hill Community Redevelopment Agency Member
- Florida League of Cities Energy & Environmental Legislative Policy Committee
- National League of Cities Transportation Committee
- Citizen Task Force
Commission Bright has dedicated nearly twenty years of his life to public service. He recognized that if the City was going to continue to provide quality service, it needed to give thought to future needs. In 1992 he convinced his fellow commissioners to establish a city hall reserve and a police station reserve. He has seen both of those projects come to fruition.
Commissioner Bright fought and continues to fight to improve the deplorable conditions of aged or no infrastructure, insufficient public safety and code enforcement, and lack of economic prospects for the residents of the Spring Hill neighborhood.
Commissioner Bright recognized the importance of improving communication and partnering with the County government which yielded several joint projects such as closest unit response for fire, the Spring Hill CRA, and a public safety dispatch agreement with the County.
Military Service and Employment
- Martin Marietta, Orlando
- U.S. Army 1968-1970 – M.O.S. Field Radio Repairman
- Sparton Electronics 1970-1973
- Amtrak – Nov. 1973 – March 1974
- Florida Power Corporation – April 1974- June 1999 – Retired after 25 ½ years of service. He was employed as a Chief Electrician.
Community Involvement
- Volunteer efforts at Blue Lake Elementary School
- P.T.A. President, Southwestern Middle School
Awards/Honors Received
- 2008 – Volusia League of Cities – Silver Star Elected Official of the Year
- 2008 – Seventh Day Adventist Church – Outstanding Leadership and Service to Community
- 2004 – Southwestern Middle School – Certificate of Appreciation – Black History Month
- 1981 – Antioch Free Will Baptist Church – Recognition for Loyal Service
Personal
Willie Bright has been a resident of DeLand for 39 years. He is married to Cynthia Bright and they have two children and eight grandchildren. Mr. Bright enjoys fishing and farming.
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