POLITICAL HISTORY
DAN WAS
The era of Dan McCarty,
Florida’s 31st governor,
remains the highlight of
Fort Pierce politics
BY GREGORY ENNS
If Fort Pierce had a political heyday, it was in 1952 when
its favorite native son, Dan McCarty, was elected governor
of the state. Even today, McCarty remains the only
one of Florida’s 44 governors born on the Treasure Coast.
McCarty grew up in the family homestead on Indian River
Drive in downtown Fort Pierce. At Fort Pierce high, he was captain
of the football team and president of the student council.
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THE MAN
HISTORICAL PHOTOS FROM THE FLORIDA PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION
Dan McCarty, right, rides to his
inauguration in Tallahassee on
Jan. 6, 1953. Next to him is his
predecessor, Fuller Warren.
Both men chose stovepipe hats
for the occasion.
