John H. Land, former Mayor of the City of Apopka, 94, of Apopka passed away Saturday, November 22, 2014. Mr. Land was born in Plant City and moved to Apopka at an early age. He was educated in Apopka Schools and the University of Florida. In June of 1942 he entered the Army and saw action in two campaigns in the European Theatre. After the war, he went into business in wire-bound box manufacturing and bulk oil plant. Mr. Land was first elected as Mayor of Apopka in 1949 and served from January 1, 1950 to January 1, 1968. Again elected Mayor in 1970 and has served continuously from January 1, 1971 until April 2014. Mr. Land was a member of the Apopka Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), Apopka Foliage Sertoma Club, American Legion (Life Member), Tiger Bay Club, First Presbyterian Church of Apopka, having served over 50 years as church office (Elder, Deacon, Trustee), East Central Florida Planning Council, Florida League of Cities (Past President, 2 terms), Board of Directors Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (Founding Director and past Chairman of the Board), Apopka historical Society (Life Member), Orange County Coalition of Local Governments, Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, Apopka High School DECA Advisory Committee, Boy Scouts Merit badge Counselor, University of Florida President’s Council, University of Florida Gator Boosters Scholarship Club, Director, Beltway 2000, Veterans of Foreign Wars (Life Member), Orange Lodge # 36-F. & A.M., Lambda Chi Alpha, College Fraternity, METROPLAN ORLANDO Board of Directors (November 2001), Wekiva River Basin Coordinating Committee 9August 2003-Governor Appointed), Wekiva River basin Commission (September 2004-Governor Appointed), Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee 9February 2005-Washington DC Appointed). Mr. Land was a former member of the Orange County Council of Mayors, former President, Florida League of Cities Executive Board, Florida League of Cities Legislative Committee, Mayor’s Task Force on Housing, City of Orlando, North Orange County Improvement Association (NOCIA), Local Advisory Board for Wekiwa Springs State park, Orange County Pollution Control Board, Salvation Army Advisory board, Walt Disney World Community Service Award Committee, Toastmasters, Florida Planning and Management Council, Orange County Schools Superintendent Selection, Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce Legislative Forum Committee, Orlando Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) (Past Chairman), Tri-County Transit Policy Board (now Lynx Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority) First Municipal Loan council, Trustee.
In 1967 he was chosen “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce and citizens of the Apopka Community. He received the first annual “E. Harris Drew” Award as “Municipal Officer of the Year” in 1978 from the Florida League of Cities. Received the first annual “Community Recognition Award” in 1983 for Leadership in Government from the Orlando Chamber of Commerce and American Television and Communications. On August 24, 2001, Mayor John H. Land was honored for his service to his community, as well as his service to the State of Florida, and the Florida League of Cities. At the Special Business Session of the Florida League of Cities, during the Annual conference, Florida League of Cities, Inc., adopted an Amendment to the League-By-Laws to establish a board of directors seat for Mayor Land in special recognition of his 50th year as Mayor of the City of Apopka. The Amendment states, “Any elected municipal official, beginning his or her 50th year in elective office, for as long as such official is otherwise qualifies to serve as director” shall receive an at-large Director seat on the Board. This award makes him the only Mayor in the State of Florida that is classified as direct without requiring election or appointment. Mayor Land will be a permanent member of the League’s Board of Directors until he leaves office. In 2001, Mayor John H. Land received a Florida Senator’s Proclamation and a Florida House of Representatives Tribute recognizing Mayor Land for his many years of devoted service to the citizens of Apopka, and was proudly declared to an official “State of Florida Treasure.” In December 2005, The Orland -Orange County Expressway Authority officially named State Road 414 as the John Land Apopka Expressway. Mayor Land, the longest-serving Mayor in the State of Florida, is recognized “for his dedication to the Central Florida community and his dogged commitment to this important roadway improvement,” said Expressway Authority Chairman Allan E. Keen. “Naming this expressway in his honor is a small token of our gratitude.” In 2006, Mayor John H. Land received the T. Thomas Gurney, Sr., Community Service Award presented by the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2014 he had received the Lifetime Achievement Award-Tri County League of Cities.
John enjoyed history, hunting, fishing, gardening, attending theater, family gatherings and ice cream socials.
Mr. Land is survived by his loving wife, Betty Hall Land; three children, Suzanne (“Sue”), Betty Catherine (“Cathy”) and John H., Jr. -and five grandchildren, Catherine, Samantha, Jordan, India and Caroline.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following; Special Olympics Florida/Orange County, 1915 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont, Florida 34711-1915; The Duvall Home, P.O. Box 220036, Glenwood, Florida 32722; Shriner Hospital, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63131; John H. Land Apopka Community Trust, C/O Old Florida national Bank, 1420 West Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, Florida 32712.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Sharon Prevo says
My family moved from Indiana to Apopka in 1947,so we have known the Land family for many years. I have many fond memories of the Mayor and his wife coming to our class reunions and different events. The last time was Veterans Day at the V F W. November 11th Elizabeth Baab, Nancy Mattson and myself were there very early. We got to talk with John and Betty for a while.He was reading a book about General Patton. May God bless and give comfort to Betty and family Frankie Prevo and Sharon (Russell) Prevo.
karen kidd says
may you know God's presence in your time of sorrowwith sympathyKaren kidd
Beth says
We will NEVER forget you Mayor Land and we are so grateful for your heart to serve Apopka, our beloved town! Thank you Land family for sharing your husband, father and grandfather with this community. Until we meet again, we'll stand for all you believed in and work hard to preserve the Christian values you lived. Lyle, Beth (Dorman) and Allie Forsberg
Raymond McLeod says
Growing up in Apopka, John H. Land was always our Mayor. He seemed to attend every event in the City whether it was a football game, a funeral or even the Miss Apopka Pageant where he would many times be on stage entertaining with a song or by playing his harmonica. Our late father Johnie and John graduated from Apopka High School together in 1938 in a class of 16 students and their school is now the City Hall for Apopka. They would hitchhike on Highway 441 to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida and they both quit college after Pearl Harbor when America joined World War II with John joining the Army and Johnie becoming a Marine. After law school Ray and Bill joined our father's law firm and became Assistant City Attorneys for several years and were able to personally observe the quiet dignity Mayor Land used to govern and our community was blessed by his leadership. Mayor Land will continue to be missed but we as a community have to continue to support our city to continue his legacy.Love to the Land family.The McLeod Family.
Dennis Burgess says
May God bless the memory of Mayor Land-and may he live long in the hearts of Apopkans. Current and past citizens have been fortunate to have been served by the mayor-and future generations will surely reap the benefits of his efforts to responsibly grow the city while at the same time maintaining the small-town nature all have loved."I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim 4:7 (KJV)Mayor Land has completed a race he ran well. May the Lord provide both comfort and counsel to his family, close friends and former colleagues-indeed all who have held him in high regard.Godspeed, Mayor.Dennis B. Burgess
Elizabeth Green says
Thinking with great fondness of ALL the Land Family and know you will get through John's loss because of your wonderful sweet memories. God bless you, Betty.Libby Green
Cheryl LaRicci Martin says
My sympathy to the family for Mayor Land, may he RIP
Andy Ikensaa says
A truly honorable man who always had time for our Boy Scout troop (211 in Apopka). He counseled me, and many others, with three merit badges on my way to Eagle Scout. Mr. Mayor, thank you for your service and dedication to our great community. You will be sorely missed but forever remembered. God Bless.
The Sam Sullivan Family says
The Sam Sullivan Family purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Mayor John H. Land.
Misti Robinson says
Misti Robinson lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land
Charles & Missy Stephenson says
Charles & Missy Stephenson lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land
Rodney Edwards says
When I briefly served with Mayor Land many years ago, I didn't fully appreciate his vision, his intellect or his commitment. As the years have past, I've come to understand what a truly unique man he was. Thanks, Mayor Land, for the lessons you provided.
Edith Torres says
We will miss you Mayor Land. Our condolences and prayers to the Land family. From Angel, Edith and Torres family.
Marianne Vecchio says
Marianne Vecchio-Zerillo lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land
DAVID Odom says
Was a pleasure to have known Mayor Land. As a city employee I wasn't able to take my kids to work. My wife took them around the city & wound up at city hall. Mayor Land talked with them posed for pictures & took them in council chambers. He let them sit in his seat. That meant a lot to my wife & the kids still remember that say. Rest in peace Mayor, you were truly loved & will be always in our hearts. My condolences to his family.
Bobby and Tenita Reid says
Prayers to the Land family, Mayor Land will be missed so very much.
Patti Haney says
Patti Haney lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land
Patti says
He was such an honorable man and always had a smile to share. Forever in my heart.
connie major says
Mayor was a true southern gentlemn. My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy is with his wonderful family.
Deb says
Honored to have met and known this amazing man. Prayers to his family.
November 24, 2014 at 02:33 PM says
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Mayor John H. Land.
michelle mceachern says
Michelle Mceachern lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land
John Hanson says
Great man. Will be truly missed!!
Penny says
Penny lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land
November 24, 2014 at 10:26 AM says
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Mayor John H. Land.
Albion Land says
An era has past, and we grieve; but in our grief let us rejoice, for a great man has gone to his reward.
Samuel Davis, Jr says
Samuel Davis, Jr lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land
Brenda Snyder says
Brenda Snyder lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land
Buck and Brenda Snyder says
Buck And Brenda Snyder lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land
Janis Bowden says
Janis Bowden lit a candle in memory of Mayor John H. Land