Today the Western Gate mourns the loss of a great man. He was our mayor, our family man, our car dealer and the man well respected and revered by all who knew him.
Mr. Vince Whibbs was Mr. Pensacola. He died May 30th of a heart attack in his home.
Mr. Vince Whibbs was Mr. Pensacola. He died May 30th of a heart attack in his home.
"On behalf of our elected City Council, those ten masterful men who manage our magnificent municipality; and on behalf of the chairman of our county commission and his four commissioners who constantly deal with the changing, challenging conditions of our county; and on behalf of our wonderful people who populate the Northwest Florida area, it is my privilege and pleasure as mayor to welcome you to Pensacola, the western gate to the Sunshine State, where thousands live the way millions wish they could, where the warmth of our community comes not only from God's good sunshine, but from the hearts of the people who live here. Welcome to Pensacola, America's first place city and the place where America began."
He was an ambassador of all of our city. He performed many good deeds in his lifetime including raising a wonderful, community minded family with his wife, Anna. Vince helped to put Pensacola on the map as a place to work, live and vacation. Besides owning a car dealership and serving as Pensacola's Mayor. Mr. Whibbs was a supporter of many community projects here. His current pet project was the Pensacola Maritime Museum and Park, which would bring more tourism and business to downtown Pensacola, as well as give us a place to honor our history as a port and a home for our beloved Pensacola Pelicans baseball team.
Mr. Whibbs was a well honored and respected man. Pensacola was blessed to have had him.
From the Western Gate of the Sunshine State, where thousands live the way millions wish they could, thanks and God Bless. Heaven holds a special place for you.
:J
(photo courtesy of the Pensacola News Journal)
