Staff Reports
The family of former state Sen. Greg Evers today released the following statement on his death earlier this week:
“We are devastated by the sudden and shocking loss of our beloved Greg. To many, he will be remembered as an advocate, representing Northwest Florida for 15 years and championing causes, such as criminal justice reform and higher pay for state employees.
“Greg was a tireless force for his constituents and ‘working folks’ across Florida. His personality was larger than life, with a signature wit and a toothy grin.
“Greg was also well known as a farmer and owner of Akers of Strawberries in Baker, Fla., spending countless hours in the field greeting customers with an infectious smile. Every customer was treated like family; and to Greg, they were.
“Above all, we will remember Greg as a father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. His presence always brightened a room. Words cannot describe the loss we feel, but we have been blessed at the outpouring of support from our friends and neighbors.
“We would like to thank the Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement for their compassion at this difficult time, as well as their constant service to our community – Greg was always their biggest fan.”
Details on visitation and funeral arrangements are forthcoming, the statement said.
Evers, who was in the Legislature for 16 years, died Monday night in a single-car accident near his home in Baker, an unincorporated community in Okaloosa County.
The 62-year-old served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010 and then was in the Florida Senate from 2011 to 2016. During his time in the Senate, he was part of many of the gun legislation bills, including revisions to “Stand Your Ground.”
Evers ran for the open 1st Congressional District seat last year but was defeated in the Republican primary by current Congressman Matt Gaetz.
He gained national notoriety for giving away a “Homeland Defender” AR-15 rifle to people who liked his candidate page on social media.
(The Associated Press contributed to this post, reprinted with permission.)
