WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
The campaign manager for Charles Goston’s city commission election has been found dead.
Ermon Owens Jr.’s body was discovered by Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies yesterday after the office was notified of an empty boat in Newnans Lake Saturday evening.
“That’s what he did for relaxation. He enjoyed being out on the lake,” said Alachua County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Art Forgey. “The deputy responded out on the lake and begin searching the lake and yesterday afternoon his body was located.”
Deputy Campaign Manager Scott Austin says the 61-year-old Owens was very close and caring not just with Goston, but also all the members of the campaign.
“He was someone I dearly looked up to as a role model. One of the most selfless men that I have ever met. Campaigns are stressful. That was his way of relaxation. But actually when I found out was a phone call from Charles Goston. They were like brothers.”
Austin says Goston’s campaign is taking a short break from campaigning while they grieve the loss of Owens.
He says they will continue applying Owens’ stategies to the campaign and feel as determined as ever to get Goston re-elected.
The cause of death is still under investigation.
