Mayor Teri Johnston, reading from the plaque presented to Cates, noted that, during his tenure, Mayor Emeritus Cates “championed legal, environmental and social welfare concerns.

“He worked diligently,” she read, “to improve the city’s infrastructure and sought to improve the quality of life for all citizens.”

“You know how much this city means to me,” said Cates. “It will be an honor continuing to promote this city wherever I go.”

Cates becomes the city’s second mayor emeritus, along with Dennis Wardlow, under whom the Conch Republic was born.