A capacity crowd watched Wildwood Mayor Ed Wolf receive an award Monday from the Florida League of Cities to recognize his half century of service to the city.
Under a colorful balloon-draped arch, Chris Holley presented Wolf with the league’s annual John Land Years of Service Award, named for former Apokpa Mayor John Land, who served more than 60 years.
At a special meeting, Holley praised Wolf’s “outstanding public service,” adding that his length of service brought “wisdom, discernment and strong leadership skills.”
U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster presented Wolf a flag that he said had flown over the U.S. Capitol.
Webster said the flag is “weather worthy” and can be flown or displayed in its case.
Wolf first was appointed to fill a vacancy on the City Commission in 1975. He has served as mayor since 1988.
The mayor worked as an educator for 34 years at Wildwood Middle School, teaching agriculture, coaching football and serving as athletic director.
He recognized his wife, Irish, his brothers and other family members in attendance and said family was most important in his life, followed by his Wildwood family.
When he and his wife moved to Sumter County from Leesburg, Wolf said he found “the most generous, unpretentious people you’ve ever met.”
During his long tenure, Wildwood evolved from a small community along the railroad to a city of more than 36,000.