[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF MAYOR GEORGE H. WHITEHURST

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the public 
service and outstanding achievements of George H. Whitehurst upon his 
retirement as Mayor of the city of Crestview, Florida.
  George Whitehurst moved to Crestview in 1954, where shortly after, he 
opened the Whitehurst Funeral Home. In 1961, he entered the political 
arena as Mayor for 12 years. His passion for leadership and continuing 
love for the community led Mr. Whitehurst to resume his political 
career as Mayor in 1995.
  During his tenure as Mayor, George Whitehurst advocated for increased 
public safety and economic development. To promote safety and deter 
crime, Mr. Whitehurst was at the forefront of instituting 2 police 
substations and a police/fire sub-station. He lobbied for the 
acceleration of a high rise security lighting installation at 
Interstate 10 and State Road 85 and the development of an emergency 
transportation corridor, consisting of a three-mile segment of roadway 
to provide an alternate emergency evacuation route in times of natural 
disaster. Under his leadership, a cemetery was restored, a Veterans 
Memorial Park constructed, and the foundation for the Crestview Library 
and Community Center established. Mayor Whitehurst launched a downtown 
revitalization effort, including: new sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, 
shade trees, increased parking, period street lighting, and park 
benches. There is no doubt in my mind that Crestview is better off 
because of this man.
  For 24 years, Mayor Whitehurst has proudly served Northwest Florida 
as Mayor of the Hub City with passion and determination. He is a 
dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. With his wife 
Annelle by his side, he has earned the respect and support of those 
around him. This weekend we celebrate his retirement and tireless 
efforts of giving back to the community. The impact Mayor Whitehurst 
has made on the city will leave a lasting impression, and Crestview 
will be forever grateful for his service and truly honored to call him 
one of her own.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
recognize the achievements of Mayor George H. Whitehurst and his 
exemplary service to the city of Crestview, Florida--``the gateway to 
the Emerald Coast.''

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