City of Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper receives FLC’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Press release from Florida League of Cities

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, announced that Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper is this year’s recipient of the League’s prestigious E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award.

Presented annually, this award is named for Supreme Court Justice E. Harris Drew, the man who coined the League’s motto: “Local self-government, the key to American democracy.” The award recognizes and honors local elected officials who have made lasting and worthwhile contributions to the citizens of Florida through their efforts and dedication in the performance of their duties at the local level.

“Throughout my life, I’ve always volunteered, and I’ve always wanted to help,” said Coerper after he received the award. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I’ve been in the City of Alachua for nearly 50 years, and it’s such an honor to be involved in this wonderful community.”

Coerper has devoted his life to public service. He was elected to the City Commission in 1999 and became the City’s first elected mayor in 2010. He has been reelected four times. Coerper has been a youth liaison for Boy Scouts of America Troop 88 for nearly two decades. He also tutored in the local elementary school for years. “I love helping kids become good adults,” he said.

Alachua has grown significantly under Coerper’s leadership while maintaining its small-town charm. His commitment to infrastructure investment and innovative technologies attracted major companies and bioscience businesses while providing diverse employment opportunities. A multimillion-dollar Florida Job Growth Grant was used to develop a parkway that will potentially double the bioscience sector.

The City’s partnership with Santa Fe College led to a stand-alone satellite campus. Legacy Park, a multipurpose center, was built and has become a hub for community and regional activities. Through the growth and expansion, Coerper has continually demonstrated his commitment to the town he calls home.