Tommy brings a great deal of history and background anecdotes to the city. He is a long-time resident of LaBelle being involved in agriculture and in his business, LaBelle Plant World, among others, prior to retiring. He was greatly involved in the community along with his deceased wife June, who was a teacher for many years. Tommy remarried several years later to Ms. Lynda Rider and together they now enjoy being active in our community with the LaBelle Heritage Museum, First Baptist Church and other civic activities.
Daniel W. Akin was appointed City Commission as Tax Assessor Commissioner in 2010 after the passing of Commissioner Joseph Robert “Bob” Miller, Jr. He has served as the City representative on the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council and the LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation. Daniel has been appointed Vice-Mayor by his fellow Commissioners since 2012 and currently serves on the Hendry-LaBelle Recreation Board.
He is a lifelong resident of LaBelle, a LaBelle High School Graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Central Oklahoma where he also played collegiate tennis on a tennis scholarship (NCAA, Division II). He married Nanlyn Cooper in 2004 and they have two children, Greyson and Drayton, whom they cherish. He is a member of First Baptist Church in LaBelle.
Daniel has worked in in many capacities since his youth at Akin-Davis Funeral Homes, which was co-founded by his father, Cecil. He is currently a licensed funeral director-embalmer, co-owner and the company President.
BOBBIE SPRATT was appointed to fill the vacant seat of David Kelley, as Treasurer Commissioner. She has served on the Swamp Cabbage Committee, as a Chamber Director and has volunteered for various other community events. She is a member of Carlson United Methodist Church.
She is a veteran educator of 44 years in Florida Public Schools, living in LaBelle and working in Hendry County Schools since 1973. After getting married in June 1974, she and her husband moved to Clermont for 6 months but both missed LaBelle, so they moved back in December of ’74, never to leave again.
She has worked as a teacher, guidance counselor, coach and administrator.
She most recently retired from LaBelle Middle School, where she had been a Dean of Students for 5 years.
Bobbie is a third generation, native Floridian. She graduated from Clewiston High School and has Bachelors and Master’s degrees from the University of South Florida,
She is married and has two adult children, both who graduated from LaBelle High School, Edison College and the University of Florida. She proudly claims twin grandchildren, a boy and a girl.
She is honored to have the opportunity to give back to the community she loves and calls home.
The City of LaBelle was awarded a grant from the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to create the City’s first Economic Development & Disaster Preparedness Plan.
In partnership with DEO Staff, multiple state agencies and local stakeholders, the City will create an asset-based, community-driven economic development strategy to guide future growth and decisions. The plan will not only set forth the community’s vision for a diverse economic base, quality job creation, and tax base enhancement, but also address disaster preparedness and community resiliency measures. Your input is invaluable, and we appreciate you taking 5-10 minutes to complete this brief survey regarding LaBelle’s key assets.
Thank you for your participation!