On Nov. 24, Florida lost one of its most veteran chroniclers of policy and politics. Bill Cotterell, the legendary Capitol reporter and columnist for the Tallahassee Democrat, died at 82. For decades, he held public power to account with wit, wisdom and a deeply rooted passion for Florida.
We asked readers, colleagues, friends and family to share their memories of Bill, how he shaped the political landscape, inspired younger journalists, and touched lives beyond the newsroom. What follows is a tribute in their own words, posted on social media or sent to the Democrat (and we’ll be adding to this as we get more):
‘I want to always remember’
It was one of the highest honors of my career, to introduce Bill Cotterell as he was inducted into the Florida Newspaper Hall of Fame. Bill’s voice, both audibly and in his writing, were one-of-a-kind.
On my phone, I keep a list – next to my grocery list actually – of what I call Cotterellisms. They are things he said or wrote that I want to always remember. I want to share some of my favorites.
Sometimes they were profoundly wise turns of phrase:• “The thumb of popular opinion has no place on the scales of justice.”• Or try this one: “Ethical lapses are like promiscuity. Each time it gets easier.”
Sometimes his wisdom was alliterative
He had a fondness for wildfire metaphors:
He didn’t always have patience for corporate mandates.
And, he exhibited that same patience when it came to coaching reporters who should have known better on the finer points of journalism.
There’s nothing I can say that can beat all that. He loved the craft of journalism and those who waged it. His trademark was to walk up to any reporter green as a Christmas tree or veteran as a century oak and ask “what are you working on?” Tallahassee and the republic are a better place because of his wit, words and wisdom.
— William Hatfield, executive editor of the Tallahassee Democrat
‘Never afraid to challenge us’
Very sorry to hear of Bill Cotterell’s passing. I enjoyed many conversations with him during my time running and serving as governor. He was smart, professional and never afraid to challenge us. A true old school newsman! Columba and I send our condolences to Bill’s family.
— Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (1999-2007)
‘My favorite Democrat writer’
Growing up in Tallahassee, one of my greatest thrills was getting up early each morning to grab the Tallahassee Democrat to read the headlines while eating breakfast before school!
Even after I left home to attend Morehouse College and later the University of Florida College of Law, my care packets from my parents always included copies of the Sunday Democrat and the daily sports sections so that I could keep my finger on the pulse of my hometown.
Bill Cotterell … was among my favorite Democrat writers, so much so that years later, when I returned home to practice law and began handling several media heavy cases, I got legitimate goose bumps whenever Bill was in the press row, asking questions about a case, or called me at the office (or on my cell phone) to follow up on (or off) the record about the same, or to suggest some book or article that I might want to read and discuss in one of my own articles or blogs.
— Chuck Hobbs, columnist and commentator, Tallahassee
‘An exemplary journalist’
He was an exemplary journalist who stood out among his peers in the halcyon days when there was a lot of tall timber in the Tallahassee press corps. Bill was a devoted husband, a proud father, a doting grandfather, a world class story teller (”I remember the time Jimmy Carter and I ….”), and a good friend.
The only complaint I had about him was his insistence on writing the truth come hell or high water, including about me and the politicians with whom I worked when I thought less candor and more consideration was in order. He will be missed so much by so many.
— Mac Stipanovich, longtime political operative, retired lobbyist, Tallahassee
‘Vital centerpiece’
We’re going to miss him. For one thing, he was the vital centerpiece of a group of five or six grumpy old guys who had once worked in an around the field of journalism. Our conversations often centered on sports, Florida government and politics, and lamentations about the sad decline of the news media.
We got together every Monday morning around 11:30 to enjoy the senior discounts at the Sonny’s Barbecue joint in front of Sam’s Club. It’s not going to be the same without him.
— Robert Sanchez, a retired journalist living in Tallahassee
‘Nonpartisan way of approaching things’
He and I stayed in touch, and he was part of a “Geezer’s Lunch” of 10 or 12 Capitol old timers who met every couple of weeks. At the last lunch, he and I sat side-by-side, and we needled him in a nice way, because he only drank black coffee at the lunches. I loved the guy, in part because of his institutional knowledge and his nonpartisan way of approaching things. He had Claude Kirk stories, Dempsey Barron stories, Reubin Askew stories. Not many folks in this town can still say that.
He surely knew he was also widely imitated by his press corps brethren because of his distinctively raspy voice, but it was always done with tremendous affection.
While working for UPI in Atlanta, he covered Jimmy Carter as governor, not as president, which tells you about his staying power in journalism.
— Steve Bousquet, Opinion Editor and Columnist, South Florida Sun Sentinel
‘Great memories of a great friend’
Bill was a friend for decades, dating from when I was a Congressional aide, and then to the Capital Tiger Bay Club, where he was a longtime member and served a term on the board.
He was noted for an off-kilter sense of humor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. He was also noted for his unkempt appearance, which bothered him not in the least.
Bill knew of my extensive political memorabilia collection and always saved his press credentials for events like inaugurations for me. They are great memories of a great friend. He was one of a kind and will be missed.
— John Clark, retired stockbroker, Tallahassee
‘Old school journalist’
Bill Cotterell was an old school hard news journalist, a legend with a sharp eye for governmental naughtiness.
When I worked at the Democrat, his raspy voice was part of the newsroom soundtrack. We used to have spirited discussions about government-sponsored arts and culture and art in public places. He had a very dry and somewhat twisted wit and an appreciation for life’s absurdities.
It’s hard to believe such a force of nature is gone. May his memory be a blessing.
— Kati Schardl, former music & entertainment reporter, Tallahassee Democrat
‘Great insight’
Bill Cotterell was and will always be remembered as an exemplary journalist. His career accomplishments speak for themselves. At a time when the profession was enduring remarkable tumult, Bill proved that an old-school, unbiased reporter still had a place.
He also provided great insight when offering an opinion relying on his years of lived life, intuition, and reporting experience.
Bill honored me by being a regular listener of my radio program since its beginning in 2002. He would write to offer thoughts on the topics discussed, and asked for my twice-weekly special commentaries, “And Another Thing,” via email. If I didn’t send them, I heard from him.
I am heartbroken to know I will not see his writing or hear from him anymore. Bill Cotterell was a credit to The 4th Estate and he is already missed.
— Preston R. Scott, Host of The Morning Show with Preston Scott, iHeartMedia | WFLA-FM – Tallahassee/Panama City
‘No one knew more about Florida politics’
Bill was always kind and generous in guiding younger reporters. I remember his professionalism the night Gov. Lawton Chiles died as every member of the Capitol Press Corps gathered in front of the governor’s mansion. I interviewed him for a live shot for NewsChannel 40 because absolutely no one knew more about Florida politics than Bill.
He was very kind to me when my book on astronaut Lisa Nowak came out in 2020, writing a whole column about it. I am crying – he will be so missed by all who knew him well, but especially his wife, his son and his grandchildren, all of whom he wholeheartedly adored, gushing about them frequently on Facebook. Florida residents will be a little less informed about Capitol shenanigans with Bill’s untimely departure.
— Kimberly Moore, former journalist, now media relations manager for Orlando Health
‘No fear or favor’
Bill Cotterell was the repository and embodiment of political journalism in Florida. With Bill there was no fear or favor. He was tough, fair and had a low threshold for bullshit.
— state Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville
‘Sharp mind, even sharper wit’
This is a sad loss for many of us. I just kind of thought Bill would just always be there.
I’ve known Bill since 1972, when I was an editor on the (Florida) Flambeau and he was both a friend and advisor. He helped us when the Flambeau went independent (from FSU). He and (Democrat Editorial Page Editor) Bill Mansfield used to critique my writings, helping me to be focused and concise.
Over the years, Bill and I exchanged loads of private messages and commentaries on issues of the day. Bill had a sharp mind and an even sharper wit, which he blended with a very kind heart. I’ll miss you Bill.
— Ed Moore, retired president, Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida (ICUF)
‘Writes poetry disguised as prose’
The loss of Bill is like a library burning down. He and I interacted for decades in the world of politics and in reporting. Frankly, being in the Winter of Life myself, Bill would have been the person I wanted to write my obituary. Bill is an orator of the written word. He can make the mind reflect on the word pictures he put down in print.
I am a debater when it comes to the written word. Facts and numbers flow off my pages. While some say I have a talent to write manuals, Bill writes poetry disguised as prose. I shall miss Bill. He truly was gifted.
— Jon Ausman, longest serving member of the Democratic National Committee in Florida’s history (December 1992 to January 2017).
Share your memories of Bill Cotterell with us and the community
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Remembering Bill Cotterell and his legacy in Florida journalism
Reporting by Staff report, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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