Former Leon County Commissioner Bruce J. Host Dies

Leon County Government announced on Friday that former County Commissioner Bruce J. Host died Friday morning.

Host served as County Commissioner representing District 4 from 1992 to 2000. He was also elected chair from 1995 to 1996.

Host helped establish the Northeast Branch Library, which was named after him in 2023. Leon County said Host also helped protect and preserve the Bradfordville School House.

The press release stated, “With sadness, the Leon County family recognizes the passing of former Commissioner Bruce J. Host, who died in the morning on Friday, September 26, 2025. He championed key projects in our community’s northeast, including establishing a permanent Northeast Branch Library, protecting and preserving the historic Bradfordville School House, supporting a full-service fire station at Bull Headley and Bannerman roads, and advocating for transportation improvements on Thomasville Road. In recognition of his service, the County dedicated the Northeast Branch Library in his honor on November 22, 2023, now the Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library.”

Beyond County government, Commissioner Host was a U.S. Air Force Colonel (Ret.), a Vietnam War veteran, founder of the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Society, and, in 2021, was appointed Florida State Director for the Selective Service System.