Miami-Dade officials react to death of former President Jimmy Carter
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President Jimmy Carter (Photo/The White House)
MIAMI - Several Miami-Dade County officials honored the passing of Jimmy Carter after the former president died on Sunday at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia.
"President Jimmy Carter's enduring legacy of service, compassion, and humility will forever inspire us," Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family and all who loved this remarkable leader. May he rest in peace."
Carter was the 39th President of the United States from 1977-1981. A Southern Democrat, Carter was also a member of the Georgia State Senate from 1963 to 1967 and was the 76th governor of Georgia from 1971-1975.
"Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has passed away. While his presidency may have been debated, his life was defined by unwavering service to others," Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes, said. "A good man who dedicated his post-presidency to making the world better. Rest in peace."
The longest-lived president in the nation's history, Carter's one-term in office was marred by the Iran hostage crisis, oil shortages, and high inflation. His 1978 Mideast peace treaty, known as The Camp David Accords, with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin foreshadowed much of his post-presidency work after his rocky term in office.
"Jimmy Carter showed us that public service does not end after leaving office. "Let us join in prayer for his family, and may God grant him eternal rest," Miami Mayor Francis Saurez said.
Following his landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election, Carter founded the Carter Center with his wife Rosalynn in 1982. The center became the epitome of Carter's legacy for its work in advancing human rights, public health, and democracy around the globe.
Carter and his wife also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in the 1980s. Over the next 40 years, the Carters helped build more than 4,300 homes across 14 countries.
Carter also was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
"President Carter lived a life well lived. His wisdom will be fully understood and appreciated for generations to come," Rep. Ashley Gantt, D-Miami, said. "May he rest well with the love of his life. This country may not have deserved him, but we are fortunate for his courage to give his service to us in spite of it."
Michael Costeines
Michael Costeines is a political and former sports writer based in South Florida. Originally from Connecticut, Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Southern Connecticut State University.