City Council
Seat 1 - Mayor Richard Smith
Mayor Richard Smith has been married for more than 43 years to his best friend Pamela. They have four children and fourteen grandchildren with two more expected in 2009. Richard and Pamela have lived in Groveland for 9 years, with Richard serving the community as a council member and vice-mayor in 2004-2005. In addition to being a former council member, he was also a member of his HOA board and served as a school board member in Ventura, CA from 1976-1978.
Mr. Smith holds a BA and MA from Brigham Young and did PhD studies at USC. He is a former healthcare executive who finished his career recruiting, licensing and training foster parents. Richard is a bishop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a member of a barbershop chorus called Vocal Express. His hobbies include reading, gardening, community service and leadership development.
Mr. Smith was inspired to return to the Groveland city council by his desire to use his time and experience to benefit Groveland. Richard’s goals include revitalizing the Groveland economy, sprucing up the downtown area, attracting new industry, improving the quality of life for our citizens; improve communication while increasing civility at council meetings and at City Hall. But most importantly he would like to greatly improve the fiscal health of Groveland.
You can contact the Mayor Richard Smith at Richard.Smith@groveland-fl.gov
Seat 2 - James Gearhart
Councilman Gearhart was born in Monticello, IA, and moved to Florida at the age of five. Mr. Gearhart and his wife Bonnie have three children between them, and six grandchildren. The Gearharts moved to Groveland four years ago from Mascotte.
Councilman Gearhart was appointed to the Council on July 24, 2007 to serve out the remainder of former councilman Mr. Flynn’s term. He ran a sucessful campaign for Seat 2 and won the majority vote in November 2007, for a 2 year term, while facing two rival opponents.
Councilman Gearhart worked many years in the construction business, building custom homes and milti-million dollar projects. He and his wife now own and operate AAA Storage here in Groveland.
You can contact Councilman Gearhart to James.Gearhart@groveland-fl.gov
Seat 3 – James Smith
Councilman Smith is a 15 year residence to Groveland and was born on 2/17/1955. Councilman Smith education consists of a B.S. Business Management with 15 hours toward a masters in Public Administration.
Councilman Smith has 2 children and was elected to the Groveland City Council with his term beginning January 5, 2009.
Councilman Smith also has a full retired military background and is a member or participant in the following organiztions. American Legion post #239, Groveland Historic Society, Support of sunday school, Democratic Black Caucas, Edgewood Cemetary Association.
Some of Councilman Smith hobbies consist of reading, coaching basketball, governmntal affairs. The inspiration for Smith to qualify for public office was the total devotion to service to community and country.
Councilman Smith prior experience was a state position with FL. democratic party, serving city councilman and then mayor.
If you would like to contact Mr. Smith please send an email to James.Smith@groveland-fl.gov
Seat 4 – Evelyn Wilson
Evelyn Wilson has been a citizen of Groveland for over three years. She resides with her husband of seventeen years, Glen, in District 4. Together they have five children and were recently blessed with their first grandchild. Evelyn’s hobbies include arts, cooking, travel, research, reading, and fishing. She and her husband Glen are event vendors and travel to various expos selling their gourmet chip and dessert dips.
Evelyn has been very active in the Groveland community by not only attending city meetings but by being a member of the newly formed Groveland Community Partnership, South Lake Chamber of Commerce, and the Groveland Historical Society as well.
Although Evelyn has never held public office she decided to run because she felt the city needed change and new ideas. She is willing to work hard for what she believes in and is very politically active. She wants her town to maintain the small town community feel while it progresses into the future.
If you would like to contact Mrs. Wilson, please send an email to evelyn.wilson@groveland-fl.gov
Seat 5 - Vice-Mayor John Griffin
Vice-Mayor Griffin is a native of Groveland, Florida. Mr. Griffin and his wife Laverne have four children, and one grandchild.
Vice-Mayor Griffin was first elected to the City Council in 2002. In 2008, he was unanimously appointed by his fellow councilmembers to hold the seat of Vice-Mayor and was reappointed in 2009. As a councilman his focus for our community is on affordable housing and the war on crime.
Vice-Mayor Griffin served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. Currently, Mr. Griffin owns his own business, Tamjo Signs. He has an A.S. Degree from Lake Sumter Community College.
Vice-Mayor Griffin is actively involved with his church, the Florida League of Cities, the South Lake Historical Society, the Dade Battlefield Society and the Cattlemen’s Association.
Vice-Mayor Griffin in his spare time enjoys raising cattle, fishing and participating in Seminole War Re-enactments.
You can contact Councilman Griffin at John.Griffin@groveland-fl.gov
F.S 119.011 and 119.07 which states “Emails sent to the city of groveland are subject to public-records requests and that if users do not want their e-mail addresses released to requestors, they should not send e-mail.
