[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 184 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S6900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING FRANK BIRD GUMMEY III

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I pay tribute to the memory of Frank 
Bird Gummey III, a former attorney for Daytona Beach, Volusia County, 
and New Smyrna Beach, whose career spanned 44 years and put him in the 
middle of many court battles throughout the State.
  Frank Bird Gummey III was born on April 12, 1945, to Frank Bird 
Gummey II and his wife, Madeline. The only son of three children, Frank 
grew up in Gladwyn, PA, and was raised by his mother after his father 
passed away when he was just 4 years old.
  In 1963, Frank graduated from Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield, MA, 
and enrolled at the University of the South, Sewanee, TN, graduating in 
1967. He would later serve his alma mater as a trustee and regent. 
Frank then served in the Army for 2 years, spending time in Thailand 
before enrolling in law school at the University of Florida and 
received his J.D. in early 1973.
  Frank's legal career began in Daytona Beach as an assistant city 
attorney, a position he held for 5 years until the city's attorney John 
Chew retired. He subsequently became the new city attorney and defended 
it throughout the 1980s and 1990s through many legal battles before 
leaving the city after 24 years. Frank then served as a deputy county 
attorney for Volusia County, where he argued a case involving the 2000 
U.S. Presidential election. This brought him national recognition, 
though he declined press requests noting, ``You don't try your cases in 
the press.''
  In 2004, Frank became New Smyrna Beach's city attorney as the city 
was involved in legal battles over its zoning laws for businesses. In 
2017, Frank retired after a 44-year career of practicing law. After 
retirement, Frank embarked on cruises, traveled to Australia, New 
Zealand, and made time to meet friends for breakfast or lunch.
  Throughout his legal career, Frank was involved with several legal 
organizations. He helped found the Florida Municipal Attorneys 
Association, served as president of the International Municipal Lawyers 
Association, and received the Charles S. Rhyne Lifetime Achievement in 
Municipal Law Award.
  My wife Jeanette and I express our heartfelt condolences to Frank's 
wife Susan, their children Sarah and Frank, and their two 
grandchildren, Ezra and Madeline, on the loss of an important leader 
and great Floridian. May God bless his family during this time of 
sorrow.

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