Jon Netts, whose 15 years on the Palm Coast City Council shaped the young city and set the standard for measured, commanding and dignified leadership, died this evening at AdventHealth Palm Coast of complications from Covid-19. He was 78.
His death is a devastating blow to a city in whose founding he had played a towering role, and a community he was still serving in numerous capacities. He’d been appointed to the council again just last summer to serve out the term of ex-Council member Jack Howell. He was continuing to serve on the Florida Inland Navigation District and the city’s Code Enforcement Board, where he’d gotten his start in local community service in 1999 after moving from New Jersey to Palm Coast with his wife Priscilla in 1992.
“It’s devastating,” Milissa Holland, Palm Coast’s mayor and a long-time protegee of Netts’s, said this evening, struggling several times to keep her composure. No person other than Holland’s father, former Council member Jim Holland, a one-time colleague of Netts’s, has influenced Holland’s political course and mien than Netts, whose poise and knack for analysis and consensus-building she often channels on the council. “We’re a young city, and although I’m the third mayor, we have a robust history of extraordinary leadership that he was a significant part of, and it’s not just his contribution that I will miss, and those conversations that we had often–it’s the fact that I can’t think of Palm Coast without Jon Netts.”
Holland is not alone. Netts’s influence was still felt, his counsel and the keenness of his intellect still sought from local elected officials–or many who wished to be–from business leaders, from members of civic groups, not least of them the Palm Coast Historical Society, which he’d led in the 2000s and of which he was still a member, the Elks Lodge, which twice named him Citizen of the Year (he was still a member) and Habitat for Humanity, which he’d led for three years, among others.
He was patrician without the presumption, his humor always handy, never cutting. A lifelong Republican, he was nevertheless an increasing minority among public officials: he was not much for ideology, less so for partisan bellows. The vapid bluster of more boorish, bullying or bombastic politicians, a few of whom he felt were tarnishing the council and other elected boards, made him ill whatever their party affiliation. At times the vileness of the public discourse left him bewildered–and this last election season, angry, especially over the slanders against his protegee. In private conversations, he’d been losing heart over the tenor of contemporary politics in general, but never so much as to give up on voluntary service. His last run for office, and his only loss locally or in New Jersey, where he also had a long electoral career, was in 2018, when Howell defeated him, only to step down last year for health reasons.
Nothing had stopped him, including a serious ankle injury a few years ago that left him hobbling for months, and other health challenges that he and Priscilla seemed to defeat with a resilience fueled by eternal optimism. He’d fallen ill a few weeks ago with a recurring cough, developed pneumonia, and worsened rapidly in the last few days before being rushed to the hospital. With Tom Russell, the Flagler Palm Coast High School principal who died last month, Netts is the the highest-profile person in Flagler County to be claimed by a disease of unsparing virulence and cunning, even against those who take draconian precautions–as Russell and Netts had.
Holland announced Netts’s death tonight on the city’s website with a statement. “Mayor Netts has served his community with extreme honor and distinction for 22 years,” she wrote, “a gentle, brilliant and skilled man who never shied from serving his constituents with vigor, decency and integrity. His wealth of knowledge about past and present matters in Palm Coast helped to establish substantive policies while bringing out the very best from all other leaders who served alongside of him. Mayor Netts has championed a philosophy of ethics and solid principles that led Palm Coast residents to a most sought-after quality of life.”
In retirement in Palm Coast, Netts had the kind of lifetime most people don’t quite manage in their prime, with even his record-setting tenures on the city council a relatively small part of his involvements and achievements: he served on the Flagler County Advisory Committee on School Impact Fees, the Public Safety Advisory Council, the Intracoastal Regulation Committee and now-forgotten but once contentious Blue-Ribbon Landfill Advisory Committee. He’d also been appointed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s statewide Boating Advisory Committee on Boating Safety, yet another subplot of a life with endless and unexpected ripples: until a foot injury sidelined him only a few years ago, he was a tow boat operator on the Intracoastal.
After Gov. Jeb Bush appointed him, he served on the Northeast Florida Regional Council for what seemed like two decades, logging thousands of miles in car trips–often with Holland–and getting named Elected Official of the Year in 2015 by the regional council. Gov. Charlie Crist had appointed him to the navigation district, a position to an obscure board–to most–that he nevertheless assumed with as much seriousness as any, and leveraged into more than $2 million in grants to Flagler County and local cities.
“First and foremost he loved his wife Priscilla, and just so admired her passion for getting out to the arts, investing time in that,” Holland said, “you could see them at any given time at any event in the community. They really, truly shared that moment and passion together. But he also just loved the residents of this community. He spoke often about what was important, what was important to keep and what was important to never forget, that’s why he invested his time in learning and volunteering for the Palm Coast Historical Society, and why you’d see them often supporting businesses. It meant something.”
When Jim Holland died in 2002, in his first term as council member and alongside Netts, who’d won a special election to the council (defeating the ingenious Jerry Full), it was Netts who encouraged Milissa Holland to alleviate her grief by starting to attend council meetings so she could get a sense of why her father had invested so much in the city. Jim Holland had encouraged Netts to run locally. Netts would play the same role for Holland, who would win a county commission seat in 2006. She may have once been in his shadow. He’d have been first to say that she’d soon outrun him: their respect was mutual, but they both had their own independent streak.
Netts had actually been a teacher and an educator in his previous lifetime and career, starting at 118 Larch Avenue in Bogota, N.J. He got his master’s from Fairleigh Dickinson University–becoming a districtwide administrator and finishing as director of the New Jersey Provisional Teacher Training Consortium–and teaching college courses in real estate law and investment, because, why not: he was also a real estate broker. While in New Jersey, he served eight years on his local planning board and four consecutive terms–12 years–as a city councilman in Norwood. He chaired a Red Cross chapter and was vice president of the New Jersey Council of Red Cross Chapters, and served on the Red Cross National Volunteer Faculty for First Aid and Water Safety.
Mark Crossley, executive director of the navigation district, had described Netts in a 2016 letter to Gov. Rick Scott as “experienced, thoughtful, professional, timely, decisive, direct, intelligent, educated, informed and fair but balanced,” words that could apply to any venue he gaveled or served, echoed by most who knew him. (Crossley was writing a recommendation letter when Netts was hoping for an appointment to the County Commission. In one of the governor’s copious misjudgments, Scott passed him over.)
“He stood as a man of convictions for his principles and what he believed was right for this city,” Holland said. “It was never about him, it was always about the community, but the depth of knowledge and the understanding and the amount of time he put in to do the work was demonstrated during each council meeting.”
His long-held seat might as well be retired: his tenure will not be equaled.
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Robert Cuff says
Wonderful man and a huge loss to the City and County.
Hansonthree says
Palm Coast is holding Mayor Netts dearly in their hearts. In 2005 Jon Netts supported creating a government cable channel for the citizens of Palm Coast, and that is what brought my family to the City of Palm Coast. For that, I am forever grateful. Grateful too for the positive impact he made upon the city. His voice on council was exceptionally well informed, reliable and insightful. Just as he navigated the waters of the ICW, he skillfully navigated and assisted others with sailing the waters of Palm Coast’s growth, serving as a wise captain. The ship will miss him, but the wake he leaves is indelible. Rest in Peace Mayor Netts. Thoughts and prayers to Priscilla and family.
denise calderwood says
Jon was a fair and rational leader who always gave the time to his constituents. He listened to what citizens had to say and used their input to guide in his decision making….I wish other leaders could have learned this skill from him before he departed. Jon you will be missed but we know you will bring those skills elsewhere and Priscilla your in my prayers.
Fanny C. Herrera says
Jon Netts, Thank you for your help to Palm Coast and the entire Flagler County. Rest in Peace, we will keep Priscilla in our prayers. It is not easy I lost my husband Eduardo 12 years ago and I still missing him. Fanny C. Herrera and Family….
Greg Feldman says
Jon Netts, the mayor, was the epitome of a public servant. He set the bar high and wanted everyone to achieve that height and beyond. Jon Netts, the friend, always engaged in conversation with an even tone, a ready ear and and a smile. When he spoke, I always listened. The City of Palm Coast is forever in his debt. We will miss you.
John Sbordone says
A sad day for our community. Jon Netts was a Renaissance Man. With all of his brilliance in civic and legal matters, Jon was a true patron of the arts. He and Priscilla frequently attended symphonies and shows. Jon could freely quote Keats and Shelly and, in fact, performed such at a CRT poetry event. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts are with Priscilla and all of his family and friends.
Forlorn! the very word is like a bell
To toll me back from thee to my sole self!….
Adieu! adieu! thy plaintive anthem fades
Past the near meadows, over the still stream,
Up the hill-side; and now ’tis buried deep
In the next valley-glades:
Was it a vision, or a waking dream?
Fled is that music:—Do I wake or sleep? John Keats
Mike Cocchiola says
Like so many Palm Coast and Flagler County residents I talked to Jon many times. He was a great politician and leader. You could disagree with him and yet find knowledge and wisdom in his position. He was an honorable man and a dedicated public servant. We will all miss him.
My sincerest sympathies to Priscilla and family.
David Sullivan says
Jon was a faithful, intelligent and caring public servant. His influence as to what Palm Coast has become since its incorporation is in large measure a result of Jon’s tireless efforts. He stood the test of time and it is extremely sad that this terrible pandemic has shortened his life and been a terrible blow to his wonderful wife Priscilla. I have known Jon for many years and although, not a close friend, he was always ready to provide great advice and perspective on issues related to both Palm Coast and the County. I will miss seeing Jon in his red Tow Boat speeding down the Intracoastal Waterway on his way to help some boater in trouble. That is my basic thought as this sad time, Jon Netts was a true servant of all our citizens in everything he did and his death is a true loss for all our citizens.
Barbara says
So sorry to her, RIP John Netts
Vincent A. Liguori says
Thank you for your patience, understanding and dedication to diplomacy.
Carol Caso says
As a resident of Palm Coast and former volunteer on his election committee, Mayor Netts will be greatly missed. He was a very fine mayor representing our city and always listening to its residents. Your presence in our city will be greatly missed.
Percy's mother says
HIS JOURNEY’S JUST BEGUN
by Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.
Bob Coffman says
Jon took the time to speak with me at length last October in preparation for my unsuccessful bid for City Council. I came to know him when he was mayor, as he performed our wedding ceremony. We lived a block apart, and I got to know him as a Tow captain as well, helping me out on a couple of my boasting misadventures. He will be missed as a part of our community in many roles. Politician, diplomat, public servant, boat rescuer, and neighbor. In aviation terms, Jon has “flown West” into the eternal sunset. God Bless.
Uma Ruth Banerjee says
Jon Netts was a dedicated Mayor of Palm Coast, who led the way to Palm Coast becoming an independent city within Flagler county. As a Republican through and through, he helped guide the Party to grow to becoming a force, working to elect some committed candidates like Melissa Holland.
We had several fundraisers in our home, including one for Ron DeSantis who ran for Congress for the first time. Jon and Priscilla were present for most of these events.
We will miss him dearly, with our thoughts and prayers for Priscilla.
Dr. Ajit and Mrs. Uma Ruth Banerjee
Linda Hansen says
Many brought disagreements and questions to John, yet never once did I see him lose his temper. He had great patience and was always willing to sit down and discuss. When he wasn’t in office, he was serving on committees. John Nets spent years building our community. His life was about service. Thank you for your service, John. We will be forever grateful.
Jack Howell says
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Jon Netts. Mayor Netts was a good person and a skillful politician. He did a lot for our city and its citizens. It was an honor and a privilege to call him my friend. While we may not have agreed on some issues, we could agree to disagree. During my term as a city councilman, I would occasionally seek his sound council.
I offer my deepest condolences to Priscilla and her family
Robert Updegrave says
Jon Netts was a quiet giant in Flagler Republican politics for decades. His wise always balanced counsel priceless to our electeds and political leadership. His tireless commitments and services to Palm Coast’s government during and after his elected career were remarkable, mostly unsung, just always there as a beacon for the rest of us. We need thousands more like him across this nation to do what Jon calmly accomplished here. May we in political and elected roles always be guided by Jon’s incredible legacy. Like many, I will miss Jon out there on the water saving boaters mostly from themselves, some comical stories, helping me at this sad time. Joanne’s and my deepest condolences to Priscilla and Family.
Bob Updegrave – Chairman Flagler County Republican Executive Committee
ASF says
A sad end to a distinguished career. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.
YAPOS says
It is amazing how many people have so many truthful things to say when one is running from public office that drastically differ from comments made when one passes away. Mr. Netts was a public figure for many years in Flagler County, and ran for many different offices. Some loved him and many hated him. He will always be remembered for not wearing socks with dress pants and dress shoes. RIP
Mike Monlezun says
I will always remember the fun times we had playing poker. You performed your civic duties in an honorable fashion. You were so easy to get along with and had a great sense of humor. You will be missed Jon. May you rest in peace.
Mike Monlezun says
Jon was an honorable community leader for many years. He was very analytical in making decisions about local city matters.
We will miss your leadership. Rest in Peace Jon.
Leah A. Ghiradella says
I had the great joy of being a student in two courses taught by Mr. Netts at Teaneck High School in 1979-80 and 1981-822: 10th-grade Biology and then, because of his encouragement, A.P. Bio in 12th grade. He was a wonderful educator, one who left quite an impression on me. I went on to become an English professor. I just retired from Middlesex County College after thirty years, and I can still clearly hear him saying, “Ghiradella, get it done,” and I did. Condolences to his family.