The 2013 Distinguished Citizen of the Year, as selected by the Manatee River Fair Association, is Ken Burton Sr.

The announcement was made Thursday during the traditional kickoff luncheon for the fair. The gates for this year's fair open at 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Palmetto.

Burton is a former Manatee County commissioner.

During his time on the commission in the 1960s and 1970s, the county established a reservoir; developed Port Manatee; and expanded water and sewer service throughout the county.

Other commissioners Burton served with included Dan McClure, Kenneth Dierks, Bud Fortson and Bob Hutches, who have all passed away.

Burton's son, Ken Burton Jr., is currently the county tax collector.