Mayor Proclaims Bill Verge Day

During this week’s City Commission meeting, Mayor Craig Cates proclaimed May 23rd as Bill Verge Day in honor of former City Commissioner Bill Verge.

Citing Verge’s role in sinking the popular dive destination, the USNS Hoyt S. Vandenberg and in bringing the US Coast Guard Cutter Ingham to the city as a maritime museum, the proclamation honors his contributions to the city’s maritime heritage.

“Bill Verge has tirelessly cared for the USCGC Ingham since its arrival, educating visitors, working with volunteers, hosting events, and conducting fundraising efforts to maintain the Ingham for posterity,” reads the proclamation.

City Attorney Shawn Smith whipped out his life-sized Bill Verge cutout that he keeps stashed in his office since Verge left office two terms ago. Verge gave Smith the cutout when he retired, and Smith quipped that, while Verge left office “awhile ago, he has not left the building.”

Verge is holding an important fundraiser on his May23rd birthday aimed at continuing the preservation of the Ingham. Bill’s Big Boat Bingo Birthday Bash will raise some of the funding necessary to dry dock the vessel for maintenance.

“The City Commission urges residents and visitors alike to celebrate the 82nd birthday of veteran, preservationist, activist and advocate Bill Verge,” reads the proclamation.

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