- April 24, 2024
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State Sen. Dorothy Hukill's family announced on Oct. 2 that she died peacefully and surrounded by her loved ones.
"Dorothy was many things," said her son Jonathan Hukill in the announcement on Facebook. "Before everything else, she put her family first. She was a faithful daughter, a loving wife and a caring mother. She also took great pride in her work, the work of improving the lives of people she cared about. Whether as a school teacher helping young children, a legal advocate for those who needed help, or a public servant fighting on behalf of her constituents' causes, she threw herself completely into serving others."
Hukill began treatment for cancer in 2016. On Sept. 28 she announced her decision to end treatment after an "aggressive recurrence" of the cancer and enter hospice. Upon the announcement of her death, the community came together to remember special memories, her decades of service and commitment to the community.
A New York native, Hukill moved to Ponce Inlet in 1988, where she served as a councilwoman. She later moved to Port Orange, where she served on the City Council and as mayor until 2004 before serving in the Florida House of Representatives. She then served in the Florida Senate for six years.
Deb Denys, Volusia County County Council vice chair and District 3 representative, which includes Port Orange, said Hukill was a friend first and a senator second.
"I enjoyed the times we shared, like our annual trips to St. Augustine during Christmas to enjoy the lights," Denys said. "Dorothy was a strong leader who left a legacy that will be forever cherished."
Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette said he lost a dear friend, but the loss to the community is greater.
"Dorothy Hukill was the definition of what elected public service was all about," Burnette said. "She always led with her heart. She had a deep love for our community that is completely irreplaceable. Heaven is richer today for her presence there."
Governor Rick Scott said he will honor Hukill by lowering flags.
"She worked to make our state a better place to live and leaves an incredible legacy," Scott said in a statement. "We are all grateful for her commitment to Florida families. Our prayers are with Dorothy’s family today and to those closest to her. We are also praying for our friends and colleagues in the Florida Senate who loved and admired Senator Hukill so much."
Incoming Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson said she will not forget the many times she shared her thoughts and passions with Hukill.
"From passing little trinkets to each other, to our love of Chinese food, her loss is profound and I will miss her dearly,” she said.
Incoming Florida Senate President Bill Galvano said in a statement that Hukill was a charismatic and passionate person with quick wit and a tremendous sense of humor.
"She was as fierce as she was loving," Galvano said. "You could see Dorothy across the room and know in an instant whether she approved or disapproved of the issue at hand."
Galvano said he developed a strong friendship with Hukill when she ran for the Florida House in 2004 and that he will miss her dedication to local and state government, as well as her advocacy for children and education.
Most of all, he will not forget her welcoming nature, including her "Welcome" signs at the Capitol and the Senate Graphics Office.
"The plethora of signs became such a running joke among the senators that one year Senator Hukill left many of us personalized signs welcoming us to our spaces in the Senate Parking Garage and to our desks in the Senate Chamber," he said. "I have no doubt that as we grieve her loss today, the gates of heaven are adorned with a huge sign welcoming Dorothy to her eternal home."
Hukill's family said they will host a private, invitation-only family service and announce public services at a later date. In lieu of flowers, they said to consider a donation to the Halifax Health Hospice facility in Port Orange, where she was cared for over the last few days.
