Lois and her family last visited in January 2020. She posed under the photos of Parkland’s Past Mayors. In the first photo (top left), Bruce Barnett Blount was the founder of Parkland and its first Mayor. {Photo courtesy Parkland Historical Society}
By Jill Fox
A friend and former resident passed away.
Lois Blount, 95, widow of Parkland’s first Mayor, Bruce B. Blount, died on September 19.
The “pioneers of Parkland” had the vision to form a city on a portion of their land, known as BBB Ranches. According to the Parkland Historical Society, the couple’s goal for Parkland was to encourage retirees who liked animals and country living to move there.
Upon a visit to City Hall, residents will first notice the sign on the corner of University Drive and Holmberg Road for the Bruce Blount Parkland Municipal Complex. He died in 1983, and in July, it was renamed in his honor.
Once inside the chambers, a photo of Bruce, the cattleman and former Mayor of Pompano Beach, can be seen in the top-left position on the wall – the first in a series of mayoral portraits.
Commissioner Ken Cutler, who has always had a vested interest in Parkland’s history, had the honor of meeting Lois once in person.
“Lois is extremely proud of what she and her husband accomplished in Parkland and always had a place in her heart for the city,” he said.
Lois attended the Florida State College for Women in 1944. In 1947, she married Bruce in Broward County, founding Parkland together in 1963. Lois spent 60 years playing piano at the First Baptist Church in Pompano Beach last visited the city in January 2020.
Broward County Vice Mayor Michael Udine said the Blounts were a huge part of the formation of Parkland.
“Lois’ contribution and that of her husband, Bruce was immeasurable to the city,” he said. “As a city, we mourn her loss and wish her family our prayers.”
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