George Firestone, Former Florida Secretary of State, Has Died

George Firestone, a former state legislator who served as Florida's secretary of state from 1979 to 1987, died Friday, according to an obituary in the Miami Herald.

He was 80.

House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, held a moment of silence for Firestone at the end of the regular session on Friday.

The House Democratic Party released the following statement from House Democratic Party Leader Ron Saunders, R-Key West:

"I am saddened to learn of the passing of George Firestone. Having served in the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate, George represented well the citizens in Dade and Monroe counties. He also will be remembered as a reform-minded Florida secretary of state who helped to promote the arts and culture of our state. He was a businessman and a great advocate for many Floridians.

"On behalf of the Florida House Democratic Caucus, I send my condolences to his family and our appreciation for his many years of public service."