Florida's tropical fruit industry lost a pioneer yesterday with the passing of Colleen Griffin. Colleen's family grew mangos along 200 St. and 147 Ave. Colleen was very active in the tropical fruit industry, as well as the community, and she worked very hard to help to keep Florida tropical fruits viable. She was an active member of the Mango Forum, was on the TFGSF (Tropical Fruit Growers) Board of Directors for many years, and was TFGSF president for three years from 2000 - 2002. She is survived by her husband Joe, and her two sons Joe, Jr. and Earl. Colleen Griffin, according to friend Pat Wade, was the kind of activist for her community that is more and more scarce. "She was on more committees than I could count," said Wade. Griffin, from a pioneering family in the Redland, was part of a small network--derided by County Hall and county commissioners-- to keep suburban sprawl at bay. There will be a viewing on Tuesday (8/31) from 6-8 pm at Palms Woodland Cemetery at 27100 Old Dixie Hwy, Naranja. The service will be at Palms Woodland at 10 am on Wednesday (9/1). Mail can be sent to Joe Griffin at 14600 SW 200 St, Miami, 33177.
4 comments:
God speed, Colleen. Redland owes you a debt of gratitude for all the decades you worked to keep it green and rural. Colleen was also a founding member of the Redland Citizen's Association, the premier citizen zoning group. I learned much from Colleen about how to be an ethical activist. Thank You, Pat Wade
Loved her soft southern drawl... it was amazing...
- Redland Admirer
I am new to the activism game and still have not had the opportunity to meet good people like Mrs. Griffin. God speed to her for what she has done in her community. I am grateful.
Colleen Griffin was respected and admired by County Commissioners and served with dignity for many years in County Hall, chairing the Zoning Appeals Board. She was a wonderful woman who conducted her civic affairs with honor and grace. She always stood head and shoulders above the fray, never allowing her reputation to be tarnished by the rabble who supported some of her positions.
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