If you live in the Fort Lauderdale area, or if you are a frequent visitor, you know about, may have seen his name on signs, or even run into the very welcoming man, Justin Flippen. He was a politician thru and thru, all in good ways. I remember when I attended my first city meeting, he came right over and introduced himself, shook my hand, and wanted to know more about me. His love for his community of Wilton Manors was well known across Southern Florida. He was part of our coverage of a historic city election – A City In Florida Elected An All-LGBTQ City Commission.
Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen, died Tuesday. He was 41.
People in the community and officials initially said it as believed that Flippen died of a massive heart attack, but it was later clarified by Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell on Wednesday that the cause of death was a brain aneurysm.
Flippen was first a commissioner in the well-known Wilton Manors when he was elected mayor back in 2018. He took his campaign of “the People’s Commissioner” and successfully used it to gain support to become “The People’s Mayor”. People enjoyed his refreshing grassroots approach to public service.
“We are very sad. Our hearts go out to Justin’s family and friends,” the Wilton Manors city officials said in a statement. “This is a horrible loss for our community.”
“This is a sad and difficult time,” Vice Mayor Tom Green said at a news conference Wednesday. “He was not only a colleague but a great friend.”
Justin could be seen all over the community. In one of his most recent appearances, he was present for the annual Wilton Manors Tree Giveaway. He was currently
Flippen was recently building up his campaign for the mayoral race 2020.
Our thoughts go out to your, friends, family, supporters, and the Wilton Manors community.
BREAKING: 41 year old Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen passes away suddenly before City Commission meeting. @nbc6 @NBC6Pride
Statement from City:
“We are very sad. Our hearts go out to Justin’s family and friends. This is a horrible loss for our community.” pic.twitter.com/zH1DzAm3SU— Jamie Guirola (@jamieNBC6) February 26, 2020