Former New Smyrna Beach Mayor James Vandergrifft, has passed away

Written by Anthony Bicy

Belden Communications News

Former New Smyrna Beach Mayor, James Vandergrifft passed away Sunday, January 30, 2022. All city flags will be flown at half-staff this week following his passing. He was 77 years old.

During his time, Mayor Vandergrifft worked in municipal public service for 21 years before obtaining a chair on the City Commission in 1988. He then served as vice mayor twice, in 1991 and 1995, until reaching the position of Mayor from 1996 through 2007.

Mayor Vandergrifft oversaw multiple big projects, including the Marine Discovery Center, New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex, and Venetian Bay Planned Unit Development.