On Monday, September 9, 2024, at 4:30pm in The Alcazar Room of City Hall, the City of St. Augustine City Commission will recognize William “Bill” Dudley, presenting him with the city’s highest honor, the Order of La Florida Award.
Nominated by Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline, Dudley exemplifies the qualifications of being nominated for the award, unselfishly devoting himself, his time, and his talent to the welfare and betterment of our citizens and contributing extraordinary services to this community, in particular his work with the military and our veterans.
Dudley joined the U.S. Air Force in January 1955, flying and instructing in various types of military aircraft and deploying during the Berlin Crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis. After 10 years of active duty, he transferred to the USAF Reserves, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. Dudley held executive-level management positions for several major domestic and international airlines before running an aerospace consulting business.
Since he fully retired in 2005, Dudley has served our local community, our veterans in particular, in many ways – as the National Director of the U.S. Navy League, the President of the Veterans Council of St. Johns County, and in various voluntary leadership roles with the National Cemetery, community veterans organizations, Flagler Health’s Continuum of Care, Home Again St. Johns, Veterans Treatment Court Advisory Board, and more.
The City of St. Augustine established The Order of La Florida Award in 1975, so that the City Commission, on behalf of the people of St. Augustine might recognize one who, “…over a long period of time has unselfishly devoted his or her time and talent to the welfare and betterment of St. Augustine’s citizens and heritage, who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship, and has contributed extraordinary services to the community.” Recipients must be 55 years of age and there may not be more than 10 living recipients at any one time. A nomination originates with a member of the city commission and is presented to the city manager who then puts it before the entire commission for confirmation.