Legendary former Congressman Earl Hutto died Monday at age 94

[sandensea]

Former Congressman Earl Hutto died Monday at the age of 94.

Hutto served Florida’s First District in the U.S. House of Representatives for eight terms, from 1979 to 1995. Previously, he represented District 8 in the Florida House of Representatives from 1972 to 1978 and was a longtime radio and television sportscaster.

He died peacefully at his Pensacola home surrounded by his family on Monday.

Hutto was born on May 12, 1926, to Lemmie and Ellie Mathis Hutto in Midland City, Alabama.

Elected to Congress in 1978, Hutto recognized the importance of the military to the district he served.

Actively involved in military issues, his greatest milestone victory came during his first six months on the Hill with his defeat of the closure of Whiting Field, a helicopter training base.

Hutto was the last Democratic politician to win Northwest Florida's Congressional District, today represented by Matt Gaetz.

At: https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2020/12/16/legendary-former-congressman-earl-hutto-died-monday-age-94/3918993001/

Joe Scarborough, who succeeded Earl Hutto in Congress, reflects on the life of the eight-term former congressman.

[Zorro]

1. I remember him from way back

He was the local Panama City channel 7 newscaster for years before he decided to get into politics.

He was a decent guy.

[sandensea]

2. How far Florida's 1st has fallen, as far as congresspeople.

Thanks for the anecdote, Zorro. Always good to get I-was-there insights.

They're definitely not sending their best these days.