Shirley Gibson, the first mayor of Miami Gardens, has died at 79.
Her daughter confirmed her death to the Miami Herald on Monday.
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WATCH HEREGibson, a former Miami-Dade Police officer turned politician, helped to incorporate Miami Gardens.
"Mayor Gibson was a pioneer and a visionary in our community. She was very instrumental in the establishment and evolution of Miami Gardens," current Mayor Rodney Harris said in a statement. "Her legacy of leadership and dedication to our city will always be remembered. Our thoughts, hearts, and prayers are with her family during this difficult time."
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She served as mayor of the city from 2003 to 2012 and is responsible for bringing new development to the city, including the creation of the popular Jazz in the Gardens music festival.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also honored Gibson in a post on X.
"Miami-Dade has lost a brilliant leader and for so many of us, a wise and dear friend," Levine Cava said. "Shirley was a role model and a maverick. She helped to create the @CityofMiaGarden to lift up her community’s voices, dedicating her life to service. We have lost a bright light."
