Lee commissioner Bob Janes dies

Lee commissioner Bob Janes dies

Bob Janes, the District 1 commissioner for Lee County, passed away Wednesday, March 10, at his home.

The 78-year old Republican, a former banker and Army Colonel, represented Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva and Pine Island. First elected in 2000, Janes was in the middle of his third term. Gov. Charlie Crist will appoint a replacement residing in Lee County, but a candidate for election in November must be from District 1.

Janes owned Florida Real Estate Academy, Jolly Roger Motel and Letizia's Continental Cuisine. From 1997-1999, he was vice president and branch manager of Sanibel SunTrust Bank. He also served on the county's Private Industry Council, Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board.