Florida leaders pay respects to Bobby Bowden

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Following the passing of legendary Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden, leaders across the state of Florida are paying their respects.

In a thread of Tweets, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said:

Florida Congressman Al Lawson released the following statement:

Over the course of his long and storied life and career, Coach Bobby Bowden made an immeasurable impact, not only on the Florida State University football program and its players, but also on our community at large. A two-time National Champion and 12-time ACC Champion, Coach Bowden was a leader whose commitment to excellence extended far beyond the football field. During his many impressive years at the helm of the Seminoles football team, Coach Bowden helped shape the lives of countless young athletes who played under him, and his loyalty and dedication to his family, friends and players set an example for all those who knew him. Many coaches can coach, but only a small number, like Bobby Bowden, can guide their student-athletes beyond the sports arena.

I would like to send my condolences to his family during this difficult time. I pray they find comfort in knowing that Coach Bowden was loved by so many across our nation, and his legacy will live on through each of us.

Florida Senator and former Governor Rick Scott Tweeted:

Florida Congressman and former Governor Charlie Crist Tweeted:

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis released the following statement:

While Coach Bowden will forever be a fixture in Florida history, to me, he’ll always be someone that had a fondness for Panama City. When he was an assistant coach, Coach Bowden would often come up to my family’s restaurant, eat and visit with area folks about local recruits in Florida and Alabama. Coach loved Panama City so much that his entire family would come over every July 4th. Coaches don’t get a lot of downtime, so we were always honored that he chose to spend his time with the ones he loved in the community we called home. Over the years we would see his family grow and grow, with kids and grandkids.

I always appreciated his relationship with God and how his faith was at the heart of every decision he made. He never faltered in sharing the gospel of Christ to the young men he coached and loved dearly. Coach leaves behind a legacy that transcends sports. He is a Florida and national treasure, a kind soul with a warrior’s heart, and there will never be another like him. My condolences go out to his beautiful wife, Ann and the entire Bowden family.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Tweeted:

Florida Senator Gary Farmer Tweeted:

Florida Congressman Neal Dunn Tweeted:

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