Interim Escambia County Administrator George Touart passed away at the age of 65 in the early morning hours of Friday, January 24, 2014, at his home with his family by his side.
Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Touart graduated from Pensacola High School in 1966 and was very proud to call Escambia County home.
A longtime businessman with more than 25 years experience in management, Touart owned multiple successful companies and served in numerous leadership roles in local government; including Pascagoula City Councilman, Public Information Officer for the Mississippi State Highway Department and County Administrator of Madison County, Mississippi.
From 2002 to 2007 Touart was County Administrator for Escambia County and beginning in December 2012 he again served the residents as Interim County Administrator. Touart recently submitted a letter to the Board of County Commissioners announcing his retirement effective February 3, which included the following accomplishments:
- Escambia County Jail transition
- West Florida Public Library transition
- Mass Transit funding (4th Cent Gas Tax)
- Protected Escambia County’s Flow Control Ordinance and stopped Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) from building a waste processing facility at a different location
- Economic Development projects NOLFX and Project Stallion
- Purchase of the Brownsville Assembly of God Church, which will become the Brownsville Community Center
- Funded a 3 percent raise for employees of the Board of County Commissioners
Touart belonged to the Perdido Bay United Methodist Church and was a member of many community and civic organizations throughout the years, including Five Flags Rotary, Irish Politician’s Club, Moss Point Young Men’s Business Club, the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Escambia County and Baptist Hospital Board of Directors.
Touart is survived by his parents Clyde and Mary Touart, wife Barbara, sons Mathew and Jacob Touart and daughters Amber Howard and Christy McDonald, as well as numerous grandchildren.
Flags at County facilities are being flown at half-staff in memory of Mr. Touart.
