Former Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett Dies After Battle With Cancer

   Jeff Triplett's life eximplified honesty, hard work and potential. The former Sanford Mayor died on Saturday surrounded by family after a battle with lung cancer. The small town Mayor sought to run for higher office before his passing, resigning in a run for Seminole County property appraiser. His tenure as Mayor oversaw a period of time in Sanford's history wracked with racial unrest and tension.

   A Republican, Triplett's future might have included a run for State House, or even Federal office. Regardless of his political beliefs, Triplett's main focus zeroed in on helping people.

  “I know Jeff has many close friends and has touched thousands of people’s lives throughout the years,” Triplett's brother said in a Facebook. “We are asking for privacy as we deal with our grief. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to the American Cancer Society in Jeff’s name. RIP my brother.”

   Sanford's current Mayor issued a statement following his predecessor's passing. Mayor Art Woodruff stated that: "The city of Sanford is saddened by the news of the passing of former Mayor Jeff Triplett Saturday morning. He led the City with compassion through difficult times and will be missed by the City and the many organizations he worked with. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers."

   When Triplett resigned to run for Seminole County property appraiser, he left Sanford's citizens with one key bit of advice: "We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow,” Woodruff said. “So hug the people you love today."

   Having resided in the area since 1992 and spent the past two decades in Sanford, Triplett was also a senior vice president for United Legacy Bank. Triplett's funeral service will be private according to his family. Donations may be made in honor of Triplett to the American Cancer Association.