By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
The main courtroom at the Escambia County Courthouse held a near capacity crowd of family and friends as a reception to honor former state Rep. F.P. “Skippy” White was held Friday afternoon.
The reception was presented as an honor to White's 24 years of service to the residents of House district 66, which covers portions of Escambia and Baldwin counties.
Sanks read aloud the Joint House Resolution passed to honor White for his 24 years of service.
Following the reading of the resolution, the official presentation was made to White by Baker.
One theme began to be clear as each speaker took the podium to remember White's service to the county: love of people.
Senator Pat Lindsey said White was a delight to work with and was a smart, bright and loveable man.
The criminal justice system in Escambia County has never had a better friend than White, former district attorney Mike Godwin said. “Skippy worked to abolish the constable position in the state and put $20,000 a year into the juvenile justice system,” Godwin said. “Our jail was constructed at no real cost to the people of this county because of Skippy White.”
Others in the Escambia County court system are also thankful for the selfless work of White for his people in the county.
David Stokes, Escambia County Commission chairman, spoke about many areas of county government that have seen improvements and advancements because of White's dedicated work.
The funds currently invested by the commission are growing because of advancements made by White, Stokes said.
Other speakers at the reception included Clark Bruner and Bill Williams.