Democratic Rep. Kristin Jacobs, a Broward County legislator who pushed environmental causes, died Saturday of colon cancer. She was 60.
Jacobs spent most of the recently completed legislative session working from her hospital bed, and did return to Tallahassee last month for passage of a bill named in her honor that bans the importation of shark fins to the state.
Before being elected to the state House in 2014, she served for 16 years on the Broward County Commission.
“Never without a smile on her face, even as she battled cancer, we all know her to have been a tireless advocate for Florida’s environment, wildlife and families,” House Speaker Jose Oliva said on Saturday in a statement. “She served her constituents with honor, distinction and loyalty and will be remembered with great job by all who knew her.”
Gov. DeSantis also tweeted about the news of Jacobs’ death, referring to her work on the environment.
.@FLCaseyDeSantis and I extend our sincerest condolences to the family of Representative @KristinJacobsFL. A fighter for the environment and water quality, we will remember Rep. Jacobs for her commitment to public service. She will be missed by many.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 11, 2020