Former Gulfport City Council member Michael Fridovich dies at 78

Former Gulfport City Council member and longtime community staple Michael Fridovich has passed away.

His death was confirmed by condolences from family, friends and political colleagues on social media. It was first announced by his brother, Tony Fridovich, on a Monday morning Facebook post.

“My brother Michael passed away yesterday Dec 14, 2025. He was 78. Life was a struggle these last few weeks and his breathing and heart just couldn’t handle it anymore. He hoped he made a difference in the world. His wish is to be cremated and no funeral. So please have a cigar or drink in his memory. He will be missed,” Fridovich wrote.

Gulfport Florida Facebook group administrator Wolfgang Deininger wrote a simple “rest in peace” to Fridovich in his group. The post garnered 111 reactions and 38 comments within a few hours after it was published. The comments were filled with condolences and warm messages about his impact to the community.

Others took to their own timelines, or made posts on Fridovich’s Facebook profile.

“Michael Fridovich, (your death) is a loss for Florida, our city, my family. Michael was a fantastic friend, a committed booster of Gulfport, and an outspoken advocate for the underdog. Cynthia and I were brought to tears at the news of his passing. He was someone our family could count on and he will be deeply missed,” Former State Representative Jennifer Webb wrote on her timeline.

Treasure Island and Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce President Barry Rubin expressed similar sentiments.

“Our community has lost a giant, and I have lost a friend. Former Gulfport City Councilman Michael Fridovich has passed away. Thank you, Michael, for your service to our country during the Vietnam War and for all that followed in a lifetime of leadership. Your legacy will live on. You will be deeply missed,” Rubin wrote on his timeline.

Florida Veterans Coalition President Robert Groover recalled the day he met Fridovich 10 years ago in a post on his timeline.

“Just learned a dear friend and US Army Infantry Vietnam Veteran just passed away. I met Michael Fridovich over 10 years ago at a Veteran homelessness fundraising event where he and I spent the night as neighbors sleeping in boxes outside a church. We spent the rest of the night smoking cigars and talking about the military and politics and becoming best friends,” Groover said.

“He served on just about every board of every organization I have worked for the last decade. What an amazing guy and I will definitely be smoking some cigars at his ‘office’ in his honor.”

Local pastor and Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Director JC Pritchett said Fridovich and his loved ones will be in his prayers.

“The family and friends of Michael Fridovich are in our thoughts and prayers. Michael was a member of our club, was elected to the Gulfport City Council and served our country during the Vietnam War,” Pritchett wrote on Fridovich’s profile.