Candidate: FRANK MANN

Commissioner Frank Mann is a lifelong resident of Lee County, and received his degree in Political Science from Vanderbilt University in 1964. He has spent forty five years in the business community and was founder of his own insurance agency in 1967. Frank’s career in public service began in 1974. He served eight years in the Florida House of Representatives and four years in the Florida Senate, representing Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties. In 1986 he was his party’s nominee for Lt. Governor of Florida. While Mann was serving in the legislature, US 41 was four-laned from Punta Gorda to Naples, I-75 was completed from Tampa to Naples, four-laning of SR 80 was begun in Lee County, and the first four year public university, University of South Florida Branch Campus, was opened in Lee County. And Edison Community College, as Edison State was known at the time, virtually doubled in size and capacity. While a legislator, Frank served as chairman of both the budget committees on Transportation and Education. Throughout his career in public service Frank has been known for his exemplary leadership in protecting Florida’s natural resources. Thousands of acres of SW Florida lands and water bodies are in public protection or ownership today, largely due to Frank’s efforts while in the legislature. Commissioner Mann recently served as chairman of the Lee County Commission, Lee County Port Authority and Tourist Development Council. He also serves on the Metropolitan Planning Organization and on the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council. He is the Commission’s liaison to the Lee County Legislative Delegation and Florida Gulf Coast University. On June 1, 2012 Frank and his wife, Mary Lee celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. They have two sons, Frank Jr., a Lee County Judge and Ian, a practicing attorney in Fort Myers. Frank enjoys spoiling five beautiful grandchildren. He is an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. As part of his church activities he has been a choir member for over 50 years.