Politics
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.
The Florida Realtors PAC is backing Bill Poteet in the race for House District 82, adding the powerful real estate group’s support to his bid for the Southwest Florida seat.
The political arm of Florida Realtors cited Poteet’s professional background, community involvement and familiarity with regional issues. Poteet is a Realtor, small-business owner and longtime resident of the district.
“As a REALTOR, small-business owner and longtime resident of southwest Florida, the citizens of House District 82 would be hard-pressed to find a more effective representative for their area than Bill Poteet,” said Marilyn Pearson-Adams, Chair of the Florida Realtors PAC Trustees.
“He is incredibly active in his community, serving in leadership positions in numerous local and non-profit organizations, and his knowledge as a REALTOR has given him a deep understanding of the issues facing the region. He would be an outstanding addition to the Florida House of Representatives.”
Florida Realtors PAC routinely weighs in on legislative races across the state, supporting candidates it views as aligned with property rights, economic growth and housing affordability. Endorsements from the group can carry significant weight, particularly in districts where real estate and development play a central role in the local economy.
Republican Rep. Lauren Melo currently represents HD 82, but is seeking a Senate seat in 2026.
Rancher Liesa Priddy and Hugo Vargas are also competing in the Republican Primary. Melo has backed Priddy as her preferred successor.
Priddy is leading the field in fundraising, with around $151,000 raised.
Poteet, meanwhile, has collected more than $33,000 via his campaign account and his political committee, Friends of Bill Poteet. Vargas has raised almost $22,000 through his account and his political committee, Friends of Hugo Vargas.
Democratic candidate Arthur Boyer has also filed for the race.
HD 82 covers a swath of Southwest Florida, including Hendry County and parts of Collier County.
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Florida Realtors PAC throws its weight behind Bill Poteet in HD 82 GOP Primary
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