1st quarter 2008

County presents longtime civic leader Huger with lifetime achievement award

At 5 feet 5 inches tall, and 93 years young, Jimmy Huger is a giant among men. Just ask anyone who knows the history of Volusia County. Huger’s impact on this community is formidable. So, the fact he was honored by Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno at the State of the County address was a surprise to no one. Before an audience of about 400, including several members of the Huger family, Bruno provided a glimpse of Huger’s 40-plus years of public service.

Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno, left, presented Dr. James Huger with a lifetime achievement award for his 40 plus years of public service in Volusia County.

“As a young boy in Daytona Beach, Jimmy was shaped and guided by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune,” said Bruno. “Dr. Bethune instilled her strength, courage, wisdom and leadership ability into the heart and soul of Jimmy Huger.”

Huger was a fraternity brother and contemporary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and played a key role in the national civil rights movement. He made local history as the first African-American to serve as a member of the Volusia County Council (1973-1978) and twice was elected chairman. He served as a Daytona Beach City Commissioner (1965-1971), as the city’s Community Development Director and as BusinessManager for Bethune-Cookman University.

As a peaceful crusader for civil rights, Jimmy was the first African-American to play on the Daytona BeachMunicipal Golf Course and was one of the first African-American officers in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a founder and past president of the National Community Development Association and the Florida Community Development Association, which advocate for community and economic development funding and programs. He is a former president of the Stewart-Marchman Center, Rape Crisis Center of Volusia County, Association for Retarded Citizens and Halifax Associates.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues on the Volusia County Council and all current and past citizens of Volusia County, Bruno unveiled a bronze plaque recognizing Huger for these and many other accomplishments. The plaque will be on permanent display in a place of honor in the newly expanded Ocean Center, so that residents and visitors will continue to appreciate Huger’s legacy for years to come.