Former congressman Dan Miller named Manatee County Citizen of the Year

PALMETTO — Dan Miller has received countless accolades during his public life, but none meant more than the one he was bestowed Thursday before family, friends and admirers at the Manatee County Fairgrounds.

The former U.S. congressman was named 2014 Distinguished Citizen of Manatee County.

“Over the years you get recognized for many different things, but this is special,” said Miller, 71. “This is Manatee County. This is home.”

The announcement was met with widespread applause at the luncheon.

“Probably the one person who could’ve been recognized many years before,” said Rev. W.E. “Brother Bud” Gillett, the 2007 Distinguished Citizen of Manatee County. “There’s not a finer choice.”

This story was originally published January 16, 2014 at 2:06 PM with the headline "Former congressman Dan Miller named Manatee County Citizen of the Year."