City Honors Former Mayor John Marks

On Friday, July 26, the City of Tallahassee held a ceremony honoring former Mayor John Robert Marks III by naming a building after him.

On November 8, 2022, the Tallahassee City Commission voted unanimously to rename the Gemini Building in honor of former Tallahassee Mayor John R. Marks, III. Marks was first elected as mayor in 2003 and later re-elected in 2006 and 2010.

The honor was requested by former Congressman Al Lawson in a letter to the City Manager. The letter is provided below.

Lawson stated that “Mayor Mark’s legacy is deeply rooted in our community” and that “Marks was an exemplary representative, leader and ambassador for our city.”

However, Dr. Erwin Jackson provided comment at the meeting via telephone and asked elected officials not to support the request.

Jackson sparred with Marks while he was mayor on several issues including a southside biomass project, the investigation into a non-profit that employed Marks, Marks’ relationship with Honeywell and the infamous “kill switch.”

The item presented to the Commission noted that “Mayor Marks championed many community initiatives, including the Gaines Street Revitalization Project; the development of College Town; the transformation of Cascades Park and FAMU Way; the recruitment of Danfoss Turbocor; and the creation of the Summit on Race, Culture, and Human Relations, among others. “

Without comment, the city commission voted 5-0 to support the request.

The city press release announcing the ceremony, is provided below:

“As we celebrate our city’s bicentennial, how appropriate that we recognize Mayor Marks for his public service and dedication to innovating Tallahassee,” Mayor John Dailey said. “He is the longest-serving mayor in Tallahassee’s history and, notably, holds the distinction of being the first African American elected to the position.”

During his tenure as mayor, many impactful initiatives came to fruition, including the revitalization of Gaines Street, the transformation of Cascades Park and FAMU Way, the recruitment of Danfoss Turbocor and the implementation of the Smart Grid technology for utilities.

Marks was among the first African Americans to attend Florida State University (1965) where he received his bachelor’s degree (1969) and J.D. (1972 Law). He served on the Florida Public Service Commission (1979-1987) and is the founder of the Jane and John Marks Foundation. An adjunct professor at both FSU and Florida A&M University, he has been recognized as an FSU Distinguished Graduate and inducted in the FSU Alumni Circle of Gold, FSU President’s Club and FAMU College of Education Gallery of Distinction. A distinguished Air Force ROTC graduate, Marks is a U.S. Air Force Vietnam era veteran JAG Officer (1972-1976) and was inducted in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.

Among board appointments, Marks served 35 years on the Board of Directors of FBMC Benefits Management Co. and as president of the Florida League of Cities and League of Mayors. A life member of the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Sierra Club, with professional memberships in the American, National, Florida and Tallahassee Bar and Barristers associations and the American Law Institute, he was named a Florida Super Lawyer in 2006 and 2007. A graduate of Class XX of Leadership Florida, he is also a member of the Sigma Pi Phi Boulé.

He is married to Jane A. Marks, a psychotherapist and local television host. His son John Marks IV and daughter-in-law Cristina are the parents of his grandchildren Elsa Julianna and John Robert.