Commissioner Mike Greenwell mourned
Former Major Leaguer passes at age 62
Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell, 62, has died following a battle with cancer.
Lee County officials announced his death this afternoon.
He served in District 5 since 2022 after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to fill the vacancy left by the death of Frank Mann, who also died of cancer. He won a special election to retain his seat that year. Greenwell was re-elected in 2024.
“He was a strong advocate for the people and businesses of Lee County and will be remembered for seeking meaning solutions to the challenges his community faced,” a post by Lee County Government on Facebook states.
Greenwell was a popular outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, nicknamed “Gator” and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2008.
He also was a graduate of North Fort Myers High School.
Greenwell was the longtime operator of a fruit and vegetable farm in North Olga, where he resided. He operated Produce 31, a market and cafe, which he sold and closed recently as part of compensation for eminent domain actions by the State of Florida for the widening of State Road 31, also known as Babcock Ranch Road. He and his family also operated a contracting business. He previously owned “Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park” in Cape Coral, which opened in 1992. It is now named Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park under new ownership.
“Mike Greenwell has always been a local hero, a hometown boy from North Fort Myers who made it big,” said District 4 County Commissioner Brian Hamman, also in a Facebook post. “After his baseball career, Mike drove race cars and later competed in professional bass fishing tournaments. Whatever he did, he worked hard to be at the top of his game.
“When he joined us on the County Commission, I’ll admit I was a little starstruck, but I also knew he would pick it up quickly.
“Sadly, I learned today that Mike passed away after a battle with thyroid cancer. I want to send my deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to Tracy and the entire Greenwell family. I always admired how much Mike cared for his family. He was proud of them and loved them deeply. He also cared deeply for this community and worked hard to make it a better place as a commissioner.
“I wish we could have worked together longer. We will miss you, #39.”
Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane said Greenwell was “more than a colleague, he was my friend. He was very passionate about his role in serving the community where he grew up. Although he was a leader and took his role seriously, he could also add levity to any board meeting with a quick anecdote and a smile. We will miss him. My condolences and prayers go out to his wife Tracy and his entire family.”
Greenwell’s son, Bo, also paid tribute to his father on social media. In a Facebook post, Bo said, “After a long year fighting cancer my dad has passed away. It has been a long year for him through a lot of pain and suffering. Now he can finally rest in peace. Thank you to everyone who has been keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.
“Hero’s get remembered, but Legends never die.
“To the legend Mike Greenwell.”
The Boston Red Sox issued a statement in memory of Greenwell on X. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Red Sox Hall of Famer Mike Greenwell. “The Gator” spent his entire career in a Red Sox uniform and was a beloved fixture of Fenway and Fort Myers. He gave so much to Lee County and Red Sox Nation. We send our love to the Greenwell family.”
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno also shared words of remembrance Thursday afternoon.
“Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Commissioner Greenwell and deeply admired his professionalism and service to the great residents of this county,” Marceno said, in part. “For those who knew him, Mike was a loyal family man, a dedicated business man, and local leader who was extremely passionate about the well-being of this county.
“Today we honor the life and contributions of Commissioner Greenwell, and are mourning this profound loss alongside his family, friends, and all of those who loved him.”
State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka shared her condolences on “X,” stating, “Today we lost a Lee County legend, Commissioner Mike Greenwell. David and I are heartbroken over the passing of our friend and colleague. Please join us in praying for the Greenwell family during this time of mourning. Rest in Peace, Mike.”
Greenwell announced that he had been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer in August.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include additional comment. Editor Nathan Mayberg has contributed to this report.)
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com