One of the longest-running mayors in Central Florida — and in the U.S. — has died.

Former Apopka Mayor John Land died Saturday after suffering a stroke Friday night. He was 94.

Land received a lifetime achievement award from the Central Florida-based Tri-County League of Cities.

After arriving home after the banquet, Land began to feel ill and was transported to the hospital by Apopka Fire Department crews.

Land died just before noon Saturday, Nov. 22. Officials said he was surrounded by family and close friends in his final hours.

Land began his term as Apopka’s mayor after being elected in 1949.

In April, Land sat down with News 13 while he was running for re-election as he sought his 20th term.

"There are a lot of things maybe I could be doing, but I think this is important to the community and something I like to serve," Land said about seven months ago.

When asked about retirement, Land replied: "Retirement? What is that?"

Land ultimately lost the election, making way for new Apopka Mayor Joe Kilsheimer to take office. On Saturday, Kilsheimer reflected on how he'll remember his predecessor.

"He had strong opinions, but he was gentle in how he expressed them," Kilsheimer said. "I know — universally throughout this community, throughout Central Florida, throughout the state — he will be missed."

Land was a father of three children. He had five grandchildren. He loved to golf, hunt and fish. But all of those took a backseat when it came to his main priority: the people of Apopka.

Flags in the city flew at half–staff Saturday to remember the man who led the city for more than 60 years.

Land was the longest serving full-time mayor in the U.S. He was honored in 2011.

And even in his 90s, he was determined to keep going. Age was just a number.

"I don't let that be a burden to me — to be talking about my age all the time — but I've been blessed," Land said in April.

Funeral arrangements for former Apopka Mayor John Land

A viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Apopka City Hall. There will be a community service at 2 p.m. the Apopka VFW, located at 519 S. Central Ave.

Land's body will then be taken to Greenwood Cemetary, in Apopka.

The public is welcome to attend all events.