Phyllis Busansky found dead in St. Augustine

TAMPA, FL -- Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Phyllis Busansky was found dead in her hotel room in St. Augustine Tuesday morning.

Busansky, 72, was attending the Florida State Association of Supervisor of Elections conference in St. Augustine with members of her staff. When she didn't show up for the conference, coworkers came looking for her, and found her dead in her hotel room.

The cause of death is unknown at this time, however, foul play is not suspected.

A statement from the Hillsborough County Supervisors of Election office said "It is with great sadness the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office announces the passing of Supervisor of Elections Phyllis Busansky.

Mrs. Busansky, 73, was attending the Florida State Association of Supervisor of Elections conference in St. Augustine with members of her staff at the time. She passed away sometime during the night.

'Phyllis,' as she was known to everyone, was an inspiration to generations of Hillsborough County residents and a champion of good government. Over the last six months she brought order, focus and vision to the Elections office. Her entire staff is deeply saddened by her passing. However, they will continue to perform professionally and deliver the kind of election services Phyllis was determined to have."

Mayor Pam Iorio told ABC Action News reporter Don Germaise, "I'm in shock and can't believe it".

Busansky served Hillsborough County in a number of roles including Aging Services Director, Human Resources Director, County Commissioner.

She defeated incumbent Buddy Johnson in the November 2008 elections.

A funeral service is planned for Friday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, located at 3303 West Swann Ave, Tampa.

Phyllis Busansky remembered as a dedicated public servant

"Phyllis will be well remembered in our hearts for her brave leadership, for her open, gregarious style and for her ability to fix problems that were tough to tackle. Her legacy as the primary author of the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan lives on every day in the improved health of our neighbors and our community. She was truly passionate about making sure those who least could afford medical services had an advocate on their side. She already was showing that passion as Supervisor of Elections, working to guarantee that voters' rights were protected in Hillsborough County. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be sorely missed." - U.S. Representative Kathy Castor

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"I am personally shocked and saddened at the news of Phyllis Busansky's death. She has been a great supporter of our schools. One of the first things she did after taking office was to personally visit several of our high school classrooms to encourage students to vote and become civically involved. She had made a commitment to work with students on several projects to promote voter education. Phyllis Busansky has been a great public servant and this community will miss her." - Hillsborough County School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia

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"I am shocked by the death of Phyllis.  How sad that death claimed her just as she was embarking on a new challenge that she loved very much.  The public needed her and this was her calling.  I had the pleasure of serving with Phyllis on the County Commission and her passion for helping those who needed help the most was something I always admired.  This is a great loss to both her family and to our community." - Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio

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"Phyllis Busansky was a dedicated public servant, whose work benefited many people in our area. I am saddened to learn of her passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family." - U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis

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"It is with tremendous sadness and a heavy heart that Hillsborough County recognize the passing of a courageous advocate for its citizens, Supervisor of Elections Phyllis Busansky.

At this time of sadness, our prayers and thoughts are with her family, and her extended "family" of employees.

In her too short tenure in that office, Ms. Busansky had already greatly opened access to citizens, improved communication with the public and worked tirelessly to restore the people's confidence in the election process.

Her foundation of integrity and transparency is a gift she has given, and we hope it will continue on in the days to come.

Phyllis Busansky has served this county proudly in so many ways over so many years - as Aging Services Director, Human Resources Director, and later as a County Commissioner until 1996. She was best known for backing the County's indigent health care program. Unique in her unabashed enthusiasm for Hillsborough County, there will never be another champion like Phyllis Busansky." - Hillsborough County Commission Chariman Ken Hagan