A former Dunedin mayor and state legislator was honored Tuesday with the dedication of State Road 580 in his honor.
- Sign at corner of Skinner Blvd and SR 580 honors Rehm
- Rehm served as Dunedin mayor, helped acquire Caladesi Island
- He died earlier this year; he was 90
A new sign at the corner of Skinner Boulevard and SR 580 now bears the name Senator Jerry Rehm, who passed away earlier this year at 90.
As a lawmaker in the 1980s, Rehm helped secure the funds necessary to widen the highway. He also helped the city of Dunedin acquire the property that now serves as the Dunedin Community Center.
"What I think I loved most about my father is he didn't care who got the credit," said son Scott Rehm. "He believed in seeing a problem and being a part of the solution, and he got things done."
Gerald S. "Jerry" Rehm (photo provided by son Scott Rehm)
The younger Rehm said his father's greatest accomplishment was during his time as Mayor of Dunedin.
Rehm said his father helped the city acquire Caladesi Island as a state park, after convincing 23 different land owners to sell the property for half price.
The island is situated in the waters of the St. Joseph Sound, near Honeymoon Island, another state park preserve.