Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered U.S. and state flags to be at half-staff April 17 to honor a Florida vice mayor fatally shot earlier this month.
The order honors Nancy Metayer Bowen, 38, who was found dead in her Coral Springs home April 1. It’s for flags at the State Capitol, all local and state buildings as well as throughout Coral Springs.
Bowen’s husband, Stephen Bowen, 40, has been arrested on murder charges. He’s accused of shooting his wife three times the evening of March 31.
Colleagues became concerned and contacted authorities when the vice mayor failed to show up for meetings the morning of April 1. Relatives also called police after Stephen Bowen told his uncle he killed his wife.
Stephen Bowen was not at the home when his wife’s body was found. Authorities located him in a nearby city and he initially denied knowing where his wife was. A motive for the shooting has not been released.
Who was Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen?
A Florida A&M University graduate, Bowen was first elected in 2020 and won re-election in 2024.
Bowen also had a masters of heath and science from Johns Hopkins University. She worked as the Florida Caribbean Vote Director for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Her political career began in 2011 when she interned at the White House and for former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.
She was remembered by Coral Springs officials as more than a public servant, but also a “light in our community.”
“Her leadership was grounded in compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to others,” according to a social media post on the Coral Springs government page. “Her impact on Coral Springs is immeasurable, and her loss leaves a void in our hearts. We ask our community to keep her family, loved ones, and all who are grieving in your thoughts and prayers. In this difficult time, we stand together as one city. We will carry her light, even in this darkness.”
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Why did the governor order Florida flags to be at half-staff Friday?
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Florida Today
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