by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
A who’s who of former and current elected officials, Gate Petroleum executives and employees and a smattering of Red Coats — former chairs of The Players Championship — all gathered in the atrium of City Hall Tuesday afternoon to help dedicate the Don Davis Room. As each person spoke, one commonality became apparent: everyone in the room was also a good friend of the former City Council member, State Representative, Players chair, Gate executive and general Jacksonville advocate and ambassador.
Mayor John Peyton said Davis, who passed away about 13 months ago, had a tremendous number of friendships spread across all walks of life.
“I am not sure I have ever run into someone who had so many good friends,” said Peyton, who worked with Davis both at Gate and as mayor through the Duval Delegation.
Davis’ son, Robert, said the dedication was special and something his father was surely enjoying.
“The city meant a lot to him. He loved it,” said Davis, who was joined by plenty of immediate and extended family.
The Don Davis Room is the former Committee Room A on the first floor of City Hall. The legislation to change the name of the room was sponsored by Council member Stephen Joost.
“This is a great moment for the city of Jacksonville. I was the original Don Davis campaign treasurer in 1993,” said Joost. “Here we are 16 years later and I have Don Davis’ seat (when he was on Council).”
Joost said Davis’ legacy to the city may be his role in bringing the Jaguars to town in 1993.
“He got everyone talking and thanks to his efforts the Jaguars are in Jacksonville,” said Joost. “That proves what a great statesman he was.”
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