Key West City Commissioner Hoover dies after illness
Key West City Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover died after an undisclosed illness, the Southernmost City said Wednesday.
Hoover, 72, died “following a courageous health battle,” said city spokeswoman Alyson Creen. She was first elected to the District 5 seat in 2018 and reelected in 2022.
“The City extends its heartfelt gratitude in recognizing the great contributions of Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover throughout her dedicated term of service beginning in 2018,” City Manager Brian L. Barroso said in a statement. “Commissioner Hoover’s leadership, thoughtfulness, and deeply caring approach made a lasting and positive impact on our community and on the City team she worked alongside each day.”
City officials called Hoover a “dedicated public servant” as a commissioner; her commitment to the community was evident even before she was elected.
“She was an advocate for local businesses and an avid fundraiser for many nonprofits,” Crean said.
Some highlights of Hoover’s volunteer work include being founder of the Girls Night Out group that raises money for local charities, being a former Queen of Fantasy Fest and serving on the board of directors for the Key West Business Guild and past president of Helpline of the Florida Keys.
Hoover moved to Key West after a 35-year career in public works and construction, Crean said. After moving to the Keys, she had a variety of careers, including as a consultant to surety companies and their attorneys, managing different projects, including an Environmental Protection Agency Super Fund project and an airport renovation, Crean said.
“It is with great sympathy that we offer our thoughts and prayers to her family, friends, and constituents during this difficult time,” Barroso said. “Commissioner Hoover’s commitment to the people she served, her unwavering integrity, and her genuine compassion will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of working with her. Her legacy of service and devotion to our community will continue to inspire us for years to come.”
