CRA honors longtime counsel Cliff Shepherd as he retires

The Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Fort Myers opened its meeting by recognizing longtime counsel Clifford B. Shepherd and thanking him for years of service.

Executive director Hilton Terry introduced Shepherd’s record, noting Shepherd’s work across municipal law, redevelopment, land use and related matters and his role as general counsel to the Fort Myers CRA and the Florida Redevelopment Association. "Clifford B. Shepherd is a University of Florida educated attorney and a Florida bar certified specialist in city, county, and local government law," Terry said, summarizing Shepherd’s career and expressing appreciation for his service. Commissioners echoed the thanks in brief remarks.

Shepherd accepted the recognition and told the board he would remain available on an as-needed basis. "The reason that you hire a person like me is to get the unvarnished truth and that is what I've always tried to provide," Shepherd said. Commissioners noted his steady counsel would be missed and wished him success in retirement.

The tribute was ceremonial; no formal personnel action was recorded. The board then proceeded to its scheduled agenda items.