Nancy Detert's passing 'leaves a huge hole'

Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert, who for more than three decades dedicated her life to serving the people of Sarasota County, died unexpectedly on Wednesday at her home in Venice. She was 78.

Detert was a stalwart among Sarasota County politics, leaving a legacy of public service beginning with the Sarasota County School Board, where she served from 1988-1992. She then served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1998 to 2006 and the Florida Senate from 2008 to 2016. She was elected to the Sarasota County Commission in 2016 and reelected in 2020. She served as vice chair in 2017, chair in 2018, and was serving as vice chair for 2023. 

On Wednesday, Sarasota County posted the following statement on its website and on social media:

“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. 

"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.”

Detert represented the County Commission on multiple boards and committees, including First Step of Sarasota, Airport Advisory Commission, Gulf Consortium, Bay Park Improvement Board, Sarasota Consortium Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Tourist Development Council and Venice Main Street. In addition, she had previously served on the Economic Development Council, Canvassing Board and the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization.

A statement issued by the Republican Party of Sarasota reads: “She is well-known and respected by people in both parties who agreed and disagreed with her. 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. “Nancy leaves a legacy of caring, fighting for the people in her community, and being a quiet friend to countless people. Her passing leaves a huge hole, not just in the Republican Party or in politics, but in our community.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Detert attended Siena Heights University in Michigan. She moved to Florida in 1978 with her husband and three sons and founded Osprey Mortgage Co. in Venice, which she operated for 25 years. 

She is survived by children Mark, Bryan and Jamie; and nine grandchildren. Among her chief accomplishments in the Florida Legislature was a bill that extends foster care from age 18 to 21, named the Nancy Detert Caring and Compassionate Act.

Details about memorial services will be made public as information becomes available, according to the county’s statement.