Betty Sembler, political matriarch, anti-drug advocate, and philanthropist, dies at 90

RIP: Betty Sembler, a straight-talking advocate for the Tampa Bay region, dies at 90.

Betty Sembler, a prolific and powerful advocate for conservative and Republican policies and politicians, died Wednesday, her family said. She was 90.

As half of a potent fundraising duo with her husband, developer Mel Sembler, she was befriended by presidents and dynasties, especially the late George H.W. Bush and his sons, George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

A message from Jan Sher, wife of The Sembler Company’s former executive chairman, Craig Sher, revealed Betty Sembler died Wednesday surrounded by family.

“We all know she led a blessed life filled with amazing adventures, but her true passion was her family and all the people she treated ‘like family,'” Jan Sher wrote. “All of our lives were certainly enriched by knowing our dear ‘Aunt Betty.'”

After news broke of Mrs. Sembler’s passing, politicians of all political stripes eulogized the political matriarch, who had three children and 11 grandchildren.

“Betty Sembler was truly a great Floridian who dedicated her life to serving others,” U.S. Sen. and former Florida Gov. Rick Scott tweeted. “Ann and I were blessed to know Betty and we are heartbroken by this tremendous loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mel, their family and everyone who knew and loved Betty as we did.”

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody commemorated Mrs. Sembler’s activism against illegal drugs, which included co-founding Straight, Inc., a controversial treatment program chaired by Mr. Sembler from 1976 to 1993, and her founding of Save Our Society from Drugs and the Drug Free America Foundation.

“It is a true loss to Florida,” Moody posted on Twitter Wednesday evening. “Her anti-drug efforts no doubt saved lives and we will always miss her.”

Like the carefully cultivated strip shopping centers her husband built on handshake deals, the Semblers only threw their weight behind candidates they believed in.

“Some people in politics are motivated by being against something, against that person or that thing,” Republican strategist Karl Rove told the Tampa Bay Times in 2019. “Betty and Mel tend to be positive and for things.… What drives them is helping people. We want to educate people about the dangers of drug addiction, or we want to make sure our state is a welcoming place, or we believe our conservative philosophy will help our country.”

The Semblers were major contributors to political committees opposed to 2014 and 2016 ballot initiatives to expand medical marijuana in Florida.

“Fighting medical marijuana is a continuation of his and Betty’s life’s work,” reads a story by Michael Auslen, then a reporter with the Tampa Bay Times.

Born Betty Schlesinger in 1931, she met Mel Sembler when both were students at Northwestern University. In 1976, Sembler and her husband were founding members of Straight, Inc., a nonprofit drug treatment program that was eventually forced to close because of reports of abuse and use of excessive force against patients.

Mrs. Sembler was also the founder and president of Save Our Society from Drugs, co-founder of the Drug Free America Foundation Inc, and a member of the Governor’s Drug Policy Task Force. She served on numerous boards, including those of the Florida Holocaust Museum, Florida’s Governor’s Mansion Foundation and the University of Florida Brain Addiction Research Advisory Council.

In March 2008, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Drug Enforcement Agency Museum Foundation. In 2009, she was inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame.

Over the years, the Semblers visited George H.W. and Barbara Bush many times, and hosted the 41st president at their home to write his memoirs. Mitt Romney was another favorite.

“We all know she led a blessed life filled with amazing adventures, but her true passion was her family and all the people she treated ‘like family,’” the family said in a statement Wednesday. “all our lives were certainly enriched by knowing our dear ‘Aunt Betty.’”

Editor’s note: Reporters Andrew Meachem and Renzo Downey contributed to this report. 

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Here is a running compilation of other tributes to Mrs. Sembler:

The Office of Gov. Ron DeSantis:

“Betty Sembler was a force to be reckoned with, and that force was powered by a big heart for loving people. Betty dedicated her life to philanthropy and advocacy to prevent and mitigate drug use among our nation’s youth. She helped shape national anti-drug use policies. She was a staunch supporter of conservative values, and had a deep love for the people of Florida. Her dedication was unmatched, and it undoubtedly improved lives and communities throughout Florida. Her legacy will live long after her passing. We are proud Floridians having known her, and we send our condolences to Ambassador Sembler and the rest of the Sembler family.”

Former Gov. Jeb Bush:

Betty Sembler was one-of-a-kind. A fearless and devoted advocate, leading the fight to combat drug abuse and addiction, working to protect the most vulnerable. 1/3

— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) February 17, 2022

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott:

Betty Sembler was truly a great Floridian who dedicated her life to serving others. Ann and I were blessed to know Betty and we are heartbroken by this tremendous loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mel, their family and everyone who knew and loved Betty as we did.

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) February 17, 2022

Attorney General Ashley Moody:

It is a true loss to Florida to lose such an amazing woman.

Her anti-drug efforts no doubt saved lives and we will always miss her. https://t.co/hcHeTMkxiD

— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) February 17, 2022

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis:

My heart goes out to the loved ones of Betty Sembler, an amazing servant leader and true Florida icon. She made it her life’s work to help others in their battle with drug addiction and she will be missed. https://t.co/ACh7rm6YuH

— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) February 17, 2022

House Speaker Chris Sprowls:

Betty Sembler was a kind and spirited woman who fought fiercely to save the addicted and downtrodden, while disrupting the proliferation of drugs. Her impact on Tampa Bay and the State of FL cannot be overstated. She will be greatly missed. We are praying for the Sembler family. https://t.co/A3luz4ePW7

— Chris Sprowls (@ChrisSprowls) February 17, 2022

U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney:

Betty Sembler was one-of-a-kind and her passing is a tremendous loss.
She led an incredible life and leaves a legacy of love and lives saved. Phil and I are praying for Mel and the whole Sembler family. May her memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/WpFCZ8YG9Y

— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) February 17, 2022

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist:

Saddened by the news of the passing of Betty Sembler. She was a lovely, straight talking woman who cherished family, friends & the Tampa Bay community. She & her husband Mel were at each other’s side for nearly 70 yrs. My heart goes out to the Sembler family in this time.

— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) February 17, 2022

State Senator Jeff Brandes:

“Betty Sembler is a legendary figure in Florida. Her impact on our state is profound, and I have no doubt her legacy and advocacy will be carried on by her family.”

State Rep. Ben Diamond:

Betty Sembler devoted her life to serving our community in Tampa Bay and the people of our state. Deeply saddened by the news of her passing. My prayers are with the Sembler family and all who knew and loved her. https://t.co/evYVx7t0z4

— Ben Diamond (@BenDiamondFL) February 17, 2022

Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker:

Betty Sembler was a dear friend and a passionate leader in the effort to make the world a better place. She was equally kind to presidents and those in need of help. She will be sorely missed.

— Rick Baker (@bakerstpete) February 17, 2022

St. Petersburg City Council member Ed Montanari:

Saddened to hear of the passing of Betty Sembler. She was a smart, kind, and passionate woman of character that stood up for her beliefs and will be deeply missed in St. Petersburg, the state of Florida, and across our nation.

— Ed Montanari (@EdMontanari) February 17, 2022

Congressional candidate Amanda Makki:

I am so saddened by the news that the beautiful “Ambassadorable” has passed away. Betty was as graceful as she was sharp witted.
I wish Ambassador Sembler and the entire Sembler family prayers of healing during this difficult time. May her memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/yXtMFesjIn

— Amanda Makki (@amandamakki) February 17, 2022

Former House Speaker Will Weatherford:

So sad to hear this news. I love Mrs Betty and the Sembler family. If there is a woman who has personified kindness and a sense of purpose more than Mrs Sembler I don’t know who she is. RIP https://t.co/O6zKTCJL5n

— Will Weatherford (@willweatherford) February 17, 2022

Veteran fundraiser Ann Herberger:

“Betty Sembler brought light into any room she entered. Between Mel and Betty i learned so much about fundraising and how to be better. I’m so saddened by this news knowing how devoted they are to each other. Betty is and was joy personified. I feel lucky to have known her and to have had many experiences with both Mel and Betty that live on. Rest well, dear Betty.”