Gib Coerper Recognized for Decades of Civic Dedication

LACROSSE ‒ Former City of Alachua Mayor Gilbert “Gib” Coerper was recognized once again for his lifelong dedication to public service on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, as Waldo Mayor Louie Davis presented him with a plaque honoring his years of service to the Alachua County League of Cities (ACLC).

The presentation took place during the League’s regular meeting, hosted by the Town of LaCrosse as local elected officials or designees from each municipality in the county gathered to collaborate on regional issues.

The award from the ACLC adds to a long list of accolades Coerper has received for his unwavering service to the community and local government.

Earlier this year, on May 5, the Alachua City Commission memorialized Coerper’s contributions with an official proclamation naming the date “Gib Coerper Day.” At that meeting, current city leaders and staff delivered heartfelt tributes to the longtime mayor and commissioner, recognizing not only his accomplishments in office but also his mentorship and steady presence in civic life.

“Even though he won’t be sitting behind the dais, he’ll always be part of this city,” Commissioner Dayna Williams said at the time. “To me, he’ll always be ‘Ambassador Coerper.’”

Coerper, who moved to Alachua in 1974, first joined the City Commission in 1999 and went on to serve as mayor for multiple terms. Under his leadership, Alachua saw major infrastructure investments, increased economic development, and the successful recruitment of bioscience and tech companies. One of the city’s most transformative initiatives under his guidance was securing a multimillion-dollar Florida Job Growth Grant to build a parkway that could double the region’s bioscience capacity.

“It was never, ever a job for me,” Coerper said during the May 5 ceremony. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me is moving here.”

That passion and dedication to service have earned Coerper recognition not only locally but also at the state level. In August 2024, the Florida League of Cities presented him with its highest honor—the E. Harris Drew Municipal Lifetime Achievement Award—at its annual conference.

“Throughout my life, I’ve always volunteered and I’ve always wanted to help,” Coerper said at the time. “It’s such an honor to be involved in this wonderful community.”

The award, named after former Florida Supreme Court Justice E. Harris Drew, is presented to municipal leaders who have made significant, lasting impacts on their cities and the state. Coerper’s résumé is a testament to that legacy: Vice Chair of the Florida League of Cities Nominating Committee, President of the ACLC, two-time recipient of the Home Rule Hero Award, and active member of the Florida League of Mayors and Alachua Chamber of Commerce.

His service also extends well beyond the world of governance. He has been a youth liaison with Boy Scouts Troop 88, a tutor at local schools, and a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Alachua Lions Club, and Keep Alachua County Beautiful. In 2013, he was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship by Lions Club International and named Volunteer of the Year by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce.

Alachua City Commissioner Dayna Miller said it best: “The E. Harris Drew Achievement Award that Mayor Coerper recently received was certainly well deserved; he’s accomplished great things as our mayor. His heart for Alachua shines bright.”

Now affectionately referred to by some as “Ambassador Coerper,” his name continues to be synonymous with the values of service, humility, and community.

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