Photo courtesy Sarasota County.

Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert, a long-time elected official who previously served on the School Board and in the Florida Legislature, unexpectedly died Wednesday. She was 78.

A statement from Sarasota County government released on social media confirmed Detert’s passing. At the time of her death, Detert served as Vice Chair of the County Commission.

“It is with deepest regret and sadness that Sarasota County and the Board of County Commissioners must acknowledge the death of our dear friend and colleague Sarasota County Commission Vice Chair Nancy C. Detert,” the statement reads.

“Commissioner Detert passed away peacefully in her home on April 5, and no foul play is suspected, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. Our focus right now is on supporting Nancy’s family and ensuring the continuity of government. Details regarding forthcoming memorial services will be made public as information becomes available. We ask that the community respects the privacy of Nancy’s family and friends at this time.”

Republican Party of Sarasota Chair Jack Brill also released a statement. He called Detert a “good friend” to the community.

“She is well-known and respected by people in both parties who agreed and disagreed with her,” Brill said. “Nancy did her homework, knew the issues and knew the people in her community. She was always an honest broker, doing what she believed was right, even if it hurt her politically. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend to so many. Nancy leaves a legacy of caring, fighting for the people in her community, and being a quiet friend to countless people. Her passing on Tuesday leaves a huge hole, not just in the Republican Party or in politics, but in our community.”

One person who often disagreed was Christian Ziegler, a former Sarasota County Commissioner who now chairs the Republican Party of Florida.

“I’m pretty sad,” he said upon news of her death. “We went and had our blows every once in a while, but she was refreshing. She always told you what she was thinking. You don’t often see that in politics.”

State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, holds her former seat in the Florida Senate, and said she will be remembered by the chamber as a strong voice for the community.

“She did a lot for the community,” Gruters said. “Very few people fought for foster children like she did, or fought for the Sarasota funding requests like she did. She was a champion of things like the Loveland Center, and she was still fighting for Loveland Center these past few weeks.”

Photo courtesy Sarasota County.