Phil Lewis, former Fla. Senate leader, dies at 82

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Phil Lewis, the former president of the Florida Senate, has died.

A spokesman for Florida TaxWatch, the fiscal watchdog group Lewis co-founded, confirmed his death Tuesday at the age of 82. He died at his home in West Palm Beach.

Lewis was a Democratic state senator from 1970 to 1980, presiding as Senate leader during his last two years in office. He worked to create the state's water management districts and remained active on numerous state commissions and task forces after leaving office.

He also owned a real estate firm in Riviera Beach.

Lewis is survived by his wife, the former Maryellen Howley, nine children and 13 grandchildren.

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