Biography
Mayor John H. Land is the Longest Serving Mayor in the State of Florida.
Born in Plant City; moved to Apopka at an early age. Educated in Apopka schools and the University of Florida. Entered Army in June, 1942, and saw action in two campaigns in the European Theater. After the war, went into business in the wire-bound box manufacturing and bulk oil plant.
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 the present. January 1, 2009 the Mayor began his 57th year as Mayor of Apopka. Mayor Land is a member of numerous organizations and has received countless awards. Included in these awards is the "E. Harris Drew" award as the "Municipal Officer of the Year Award" in 1978 from the Florida League of Cities. Mayor Land is the only elected official in Florida that sits on the Florida League of Cities Board of Directors without appointment or election. In 2001, Mayor Land received a Florida Sentor's Proclamation and a Florida House of Representatives Tribute in recognition of his many years of devoted service to the citizens of Apopka, and was proudly declared to be a State of Florida treasure.
