Groveland City Council Member John Griffin, who has served on the city council since 2002, announced today that he will not seek re-election but does intend to fulfill the rest of his term, which ends in November.
Griffin, a Groveland native and Army veteran, said his decision was based on health challenges.
“If I was in top-notch health, with mobility, I would want to run again hoping to stay and do the best job I could do. With the way Groveland is growing, the council job has expanded and needs a full-time council member who can attend all of the relevant meetings outside of the council meetings. If there is someone else who can do that, then I want the best for the city.”
Griffin, who ran a successful sign company, Tamjo Signs, and raised cattle before his retirement, said he is deeply appreciative of the people who voted for him during the past 17 years.
“I want to thank the people who voted for me and for seeing something in me that says, ‘I’m for the people of Groveland – the older citizens and the new citizens.’”
Griffin said he is proud of the achievements the City of Groveland has made during his service on the Council, including the following:
- David Blanks Park
- John Wesley Griffin
- Gaffney Park
- James Wyche Senior Center
- The Elese Tomlin Center
- Groveland Historical Museum
- Bringing businesses to Groveland, including Publix, Tractor Supply and the Trilogy development.
Griffin, 73, was unanimously appointed vice mayor in 2008 and reappointed the following year. He said his focus is on what is best for the community, especially in the areas of affordable housing and reducing crime.
Griffin, a talented artist and musician, has been active in several churches’ praise bands, the Florida League of Cities, the South Lake Historical Society, the Groveland Historical Society, the Dade Battlefield Society and the Cattlemen’s Association.
He received his associate’s degree from Lake-Sumter Community College, now Lake-Sumter State College.
Griffin is known for his knowledge of Florida history. He is a close friend of leaders in the Seminole Tribe, who recently visited Griffin at his Groveland home and presented him with a Seminole tribal flag and patch to wear on his jacket. Griffin said he is nationally known for his knowledge of black-Seminoles.
Griffin said he deeply appreciates the support he has received from his wife, Laverne, and their four children. He said he thanks God for the opportunity to serve as a Groveland City Council member.
“God picked me out for some reason,” Griffin said.
