- Jun 18
- 4 min read
During a moving tribute that highlighted her compassion as much as her policy expertise, Pinellas County colleagues celebrated Commissioner René Flowers, who is preparing to lead the Florida Association of Counties.
A visibly emotional Flowers was in shock over the unannounced bipartisan support, which concluded a four-hour meeting on Tuesday. Family, friends, and sorority sisters waited secretly in overflow seating until the moment arrived.
Flowers will take over as president of the nearly century-old Florida Association of Counties (FAC) on June 26. Commission Chair Dave Eggers called her election a “historic and meaningful achievement” and a “big deal” for local and statewide stakeholders.
“Today is a very special day for the Pinellas County Commission, Pinellas County as a whole, and frankly, for county government across the state of Florida,” said Eggers.
“Dr. Flowers’ election as FAC president is not merely ceremonial - it means commissioners from every corner of Florida, from the Panhandle to the Keys, have placed their trust in her leadership, judgment, and vision for county government.”
Established in 1929, the association’s primary mission is to protect home rule - the idea that local officials should make the decisions that impact their communities. FAC also represents county interests before the state legislature in Tallahassee by advocating for public policies that improve public service and protect residents from the financial burden of unfunded mandates.
Each member of the seven-person commission took a moment to honor Flowers, the lone Democrat. “Oh my Lord,” she exclaimed when Eggers broke the news.
Perhaps the most poignant moment came after the remarks, when Commissioner Chris Latvala shared a previously untold story that transcended government. He said Flowers, during the darkest days of a recent life-threatening health crisis, uniquely offered to drive to Gainesville to comfort his wife, a roughly five-hour round-trip.
“There weren’t too many people who made that offer,” Latvala said. “That says something about the person you are. You know I love you, my whole family loves you, and not only is Pinellas County lucky to have you, but the state of Florida is soon lucky to have you, too.”
Before his testimonial, Latvala credited Flowers’ advocacy on issues that directly impact families, including affordable housing, community development, public health, and equity and opportunity. Her local priorities will now extend to over 22 million Floridians, he said.
Commissioner Vince Nowicki noted that nearly two decades have passed since a local commissioner has led the association. Flowers’ presidency will reflect her dedication to public service and the reputation Pinellas has earned as a county willing to “lead, collaborate, and innovate,” he said.
Flowers has served on FAC’s executive committee for two years, most recently as first vice president. She has also worked extensively on the nonprofit’s Community & Urban Affairs and Health, Safety & Justice policy committees.
“What makes this achievement especially remarkable is the breadth of experience Dr. Flowers brings to the role,” said Commission Chris Scherer. She previously served on the St. Petersburg City Council and Pinellas County School Board, and has earned her Advanced County Commissioner II designation, the highest level of professional education offered by FAC.
“Dr. Flowers has consistently shown up - not just for Pinellas County, but the people of Florida and all of its counties,” Scherer added. “Her leadership is about service, not titles, and we’re all proud of you.”
Commissioner Kathleen Peters called Flowers a thoughtful and compassionate leader whose reputation extends far beyond her policy expertise. She also highlighted the “amount of time, commitment, travel, relationship building, and hard work” it took for her colleague to earn the confidence and trust of statewide peers.
“She leads with intelligence, dignity, preparation, and authenticity,” Peters said of Flowers. “She understands how to build consensus without ever losing sight of principle. And while today’s recognition belongs to you, it is also a proud day for Pinellas County.”
In her own remarks, Flowers turned the spotlight back to those who shaped her journey. She began by thanking God and credited her family for their support, despite years of missed milestones.
Flowers recognized Lynn Harrell-Johnson, president of the National Council of Negro Women St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section, and Esther Sanni, president of the St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP. She reflected on the importance of maintaining long-standing relationships and constructive dialogue, regardless of occasional ideological differences.
“I’ll be honest, I was unsure how this was going to go,” Flowers said of the commission’s tribute. She also noted that “I get support from my colleagues more often than not.”
“I am grateful, because I actually enjoy coming in here,” Flowers continued. “Whatever we’re talking about, it affects us as well. But we do it because we love our community, and because we have said that we want to serve. So, thank you all for doing this for me.”
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