MEXICO BEACH ― A former mayor who helped rebuild the city from rubble in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael has died.
According to Tammy Brunson, city clerk for Mexico Beach, Al Cathey died about midnight on May 14 at the age of 78. A cause of death was not immediately available.
Not only was he a local businessman, owning Cathey’s Hardware and Tackle, but he also was a longtime mayor of Mexico Beach.
Cathey served as mayor from 2006 to 2015, and then from 2017 to 2023.
“He was a huge impact to the city,” Brunson said. “He was a leader. He loved the city of Mexico Beach. He wanted what was best for the city of Mexico Beach and its citizens. He was a resilient, dedicated man who loved the city and just wanted to keep it safe, especially after Hurricane Michael.”
The Category 5 storm struck in October 2018, passing directly over Mexico Beach, leveling the city. Brunson said Cathey played a crucial role in helping the city rebuild to what it is today.
“He was committed and helped build back the city stronger than it was before,” she said. “He was a rock for sure, and the glue that held the city together, especially after Hurricane Michael. … He’ll be missed by many here in city.”
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Al Cathey, Mexico Beach mayor during Hurricane Michael, dies at 78
Reporting by Nathan Cobb, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
