U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement upon the death of her friend and former Florida gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride:

“Bill McBride was a leader whose devotion, intelligence and commitment to service knew no bounds. Everyone in the Tampa Bay area loves Bill McBride and his wife, Alex Sink, because they have served as shining examples of selflessness and moral courage. Bill McBride was a force for good in our community and a strong advocate for public education and civic rights. His mission in life was to serve Florida, and he accomplished that in innumerable ways. It feels like part of Florida is missing tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially Alex, Bert and Lexie. They kept Bill young and inspired, and his spirit will live on.”