[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE FLOYD ADAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2014

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the late 
Honorable Floyd Adams, Jr. of Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Adams was a long 
time leader in our community, and I was fortunate to work closely with 
him for many years. Floyd was the first African-American mayor of 
Savannah, holding office from 1996 until 2003.
   Floyd began his career running the Savannah Herald, a weekly 
newspaper covering the African-American community in Savannah that his 
father started in 1945. He found his calling in public service and ran 
for the Savannah City Council in 1982. He represented the First 
District on the City Council until 1995, when he decided to run for 
mayor of Savannah. He won the election, becoming the 63rd mayor of 
Georgia's oldest city and taking command during an important time in 
Savannah's history. He ran again in 1999, facing no opposition and 
serving the city and its great people until 2003, when term limits 
prevented him from running again.
   Floyd came into office in January of 1996 as the city prepared to do 
its part in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Though the games were hosted 
in Atlanta, Savannah was the location of all sailing competitions. He 
witnessed an incredible expansion of Savannah's tourism industry, 
thanks in part to the success of John Berendt's bestseller ``Midnight 
in the Garden of Good and Evil.'' He also led Savannah through the 
troubles of 1999's Hurricane Floyd, which caused mass evacuations 
throughout the Southeast. His leadership through times both good and 
bad should not be forgotten.
   After his time as mayor, Floyd remained involved in Savannah 
politics. In 2008, he ran for the District 2 seat on the Savannah-
Chatham County School Board and won. Floyd's continued support of 
Savannah and his unfailing determination to make the city a better 
place inspired many in our community. We all can learn from his 
example.
   The Honorable Floyd Adams, Jr. died February 1, 2014. He was, and 
still is, an inspiration to the people of Savannah. He will be 
remembered as a fair and courageous leader. I am truly honored to be 
able to recognize the Honorable Floyd Adams, Jr. today, and I consider 
myself lucky to have called him a friend. He will be deeply missed by 
his community, friends, and family.

                          ____________________