U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) issued the following statement following the passing of Jan Platt, a trailblazer and Tampa icon:

"Jan Platt inspired me to be a better public servant.  She was honest, ethical and loved our Tampa community – from the waters of Tampa Bay to the pristine, wooded areas she worked to protect.

“I was honored to serve alongside Jan during my time on the Hillsborough County Commission and saw her frequently at her granddaughter, Emma’s, soccer games as Emma is a 10-year teammate with my daughter, Chrissy.  We missed her at tonight’s Plant High School Girls soccer game.

“She was an inspiration to me and many others throughout her 30-year career in elected office.  A passionate leader, Jan’s love of the environment led her to dedicate herself to protecting and preserving our community’s natural resources, which has left an indelible legacy and future generations will be able to enjoy our bay and its waters the same way she did as a child.  Jan created the Agency on Bay Management, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program, just a few examples of her love and dedication for Tampa Bay.  Throughout her career serving our community, even in times of great change in local governing bodies, Jan was steadfast in her leadership and it was a great honor to learn from her and know her.  I hope her commitment to ethics in government will inspire another generation of thoughtful leaders to serve.  I loved and respected her dearly along with her husband Bill, son Kevin, his wife Michele and granddaughter Emma."

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