VIDEO: Longtime Rockledge Councilman Dick Blake, Veteran City Clerk Betsi Moist Set to Retire

By  //  November 17, 2016

more than 80 years of institutional knowledge

ABOVE VIDEO: U.S. Congressman Bill Posey pays tribute to Brevard County’s Dick Blake from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington DC for Blake’s outstanding career of public service.

BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA – Rockledge City Councilman Richard K. “Dick” Blake and City Clerk Betsi Moist will both be retiring this week. Between Blake and Moist, more than 80 years of institutional knowledge will be leaving.

Blake, a lifetime Rockledge resident, served at his final Rockledge City Council meeting on November 16, 2016. Elected to Council Seat No. 2 in September 1976, Councilman Blake was the longest serving Councilman in the City’s history.

Instrumental in the Council’s leadership, Councilman Blake occupied the role of Council Chairman for seven years and Vice Chair for four years during his distinguished tenure.

In addition to his allegiance to Rockledge City Council, Councilman Blake also dutifully served the Brevard County School District for 42 years, 23 of which were spent as Principal of Cocoa High School.

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Well known for his larger-than-life personality and his keen sense of humor, Councilman Blake has brought levity and character to Rockledge City Council meetings for 40 years, and his charisma and good nature will be profoundly missed.

In fact, according to Rockledge Mayor Tom Price, “with Dick Blake sitting on our dais, there is never a dull moment. He makes all City Council meetings exciting and entertaining.”

ABOVE VIDEO: Dick Blake got to know many of the black pioneers of integration in baseball who spent spring training in Florida. Players such as Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe, Maury Wills, Junior Gilliam, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays came to call Blake a trusted friend.

MOIST SERVED CITY OF ROCKLEDGE FOR 40 YEARS

Moist, will retire on November 18, having completed 40 years of distinguished service. During her tenure, she served as Secretary to the former City Manager from 1971 to 1980 prior to departing for a five-year hiatus.

In 1985, Betsi returned as Administrative Secretary to the City Manager, where she served until being named City Clerk and Public Relations Officer.

Continuing to serve in that capacity, Betsi’s contributions have been numerous, especially during the technological transition. Betsi has continually guided the Council and City Staff toward professionalism and accountability.

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Active in the community, Betsi has also been immersed in the City as a former Little League Official, as well as scorekeeper for the Rockledge High School Baseball team.

In December 2015, City Council recognized Betsi for her longtime devotion to the City, and on May 24, 2016, “Lake Betsi” at The McKnight Family Sports Complex was dedicated in her honor.

When asked about the departure of Blake and Moist, Rocklede City Manager Jim McKnight said, “You can not replace 80 years of service to our citizens by two dedicated individuals, and I doubt you ever see it again. They both leave a legacy that will carry forward for generations.”

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Rockledge City Councilman Richard K. “Dick” Blake, left, and City Clerk Betsi Moist will both be retiring this week. Between Blake and Moist, more than 80 years of institutional knowledge will be leaving. (Space Coast Daily image)