The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce has confirmed that former Florida state Rep. Hugh Gibson will be the keynote speaker at their annual Red, White and Blue BBQ on Aug. 7 at George Nahas Chevrolet. The Red, White and Blue BBQ honors Sumter County’s Police, Fire, and EMS professionals. Gibson began an extensive career in public service in 1959 as a volunteer firefighter in New Jersey. Throughout his career he served as a fire chief and detective sergeant of a New Jersey police department before retiring to The Villages with his wife Evelyn in 1993.
In 1995 Hugh was elected as commissioner to the Town of Lady Lake and in 1998 he was elected as mayor of the Town of Lady Lake. In 2000, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and served until 2008.
“It is such an honor to have Hugh on board to help us pay tribute to our local heroes,” said chamber Executive Director Samantha Merritt. “Hugh has dedicated his life’s work to public safety and service and I look forward to hearing his stories and words of encouragement.”
The Red, White and Blue BBQ features the annual Valor Awards which celebrates one individual from each department within Sumter County that has exhibited outstanding valor and excellence over the past year. This year, for the first time, a deserving citizen will also be honored with the PSL Community Builder Award. The PSL Community Builder Award was created by PSL Construction to enable the Sumter County chamber to recognize an outstanding community leader who has distinguished themselves through their service to the community.
Presenting sponsors of the 2014 Red, White, and Blue BBQ are Tri County Landscape, T&D Family of Companies, PSL Construction, T&D Family of Companies, Events by Miss Daisy’s, and Heart of Florida Environmental. Supporting sponsors are Webster University, Center State Bank, Cemex, Dan Gibson Photography, George Nahas Chevrolet, and Blue Monster Promotions. For ticket information or to nominate someone for the PSL Community Builder Award, contact Samantha Merritt at 352-793-3099 or [email protected]