Former Holmes Beach Mayor and "Duffy's" Owner, Pat Geyer, Passes

HOLMES BEACH -- Former Holmes Beach Mayor & Commissioner, Mrs. Patricia "Pat" A. Geyer, died early on May 1st, at Blake Medical Center . She was 79.

Mrs. Geyer was born Oct. 29, 1930 in Cincinnati.

A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was predeceased by her husband Edward E. Geyer in May of 2009, and is survived by 5 daughters; Patti (Rodney) Reid of Holmes Beach, Pamela (FiancŽ Willie Herschberger) Geyer, Peggi (Bruce) Davenport and Polli (Erick) Stroup all of Bradenton, and Penni Geyer of Hendersonville, N.C.; one brother, one sister, four granddaughters, and two great- granddaughters.

Mrs. Geyer was known on Anna Maria Island and Manatee County as "Ms. Duffy". Pat owned and operated the beloved Duffy's Tavern, a Holmes Beach institution known for great burgers and small-town hospitality, for 40 years.

Mrs. Geyer also served two terms as Mayor of Holmes Beach, as well as multiple terms on the city commission. Her political career spanned four decades. She was first elected to the city commission in 1978 and was last elected to the commission in 2006. She served as mayor from 1990-94.

Last fall, Mrs. Geyer received an award from the Florida League of Cities for more than 25 years of service to the city and for serving as a role model for other public servants who worked "tirelessly every day to provide the best city service and enhance the lives" of citizens.