Commissioner Nancy Detert Dies At 78: Sarasota County

VENICE, FL — Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert was found dead in her Venice home on Wednesday, county officials said. She was 78.

“It is with deepest regret and sadness that Sarasota County and the Board of County Commissioners must acknowledge the death of our dear friend and colleague Sarasota County Commission Vice Chair Nancy C. Detert,” the county wrote in a Facebook post.

She “passed away peacefully” and no foul play is suspected, the county said.

With Detert’s death, the county “lost a true public servant,” Sheriff Kurt Hoffman wrote in a Facebook post.

“I have many fond memories of Nancy over the years and considered her a true friend,” he wrote. “She cared more about her community than anyone I know and her many years of public service as a school board member, senator, state representative and county commissioner will be a notable part of her legacy. We ask that you please keep Nancy’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

She was first elected to the Sarasota County Commission in 2016, winning re-election in 2020.

Detert, a Republican, also served in the Florida House of Representative from 1998 to 2006 and the Florida Senate from 2008 to 2016. She sat on the Sarasota County School Board from 1988 to 1992.

Originally from Chicago, she also enjoyed a lengthy career as a mortgage broker.

Details about forthcoming memorial services for the commissioner will be made public as they're finalized, the county said.

This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.