Florida. Governor (1941-1945 : Holland)

Spessard Lindsey Holland was born in Bartow, Florida on July 10, 1892. After receiving his law degree from the University of Florida in 1916, he served in the army during World War I. In 1919, he resumed his law practice in Bartow, Florida. He served as Polk County Prosecutor in 1919, and in 1920 was elected Polk County Judge, serving for eight years. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 1932 from Polk County and served in this capacity for eight years.

Holland won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in 1940 and had no opponent in the general election. As governor he established the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission as a separate agency, increased state assistance to the blind and aged, and supported an increase in gasoline tax revenues to improve highways. The Holland administration also was active in strengthening the ad valorem tax structure, establishing the Everglades National Park, adjusting the bond debt of the Everglades Drainage District, and initiating the committee study which brought about the Minimum Foundation Program. His administration, however, was primarily concerned with World War II and coordinating Florida's defense effort with the federal government.

After he left the governor's office, Holland returned to Bartow to practice law. He was appointed to the U.S. Senate by Governor Millard Caldwell on the death of Senator Charles O. Andrews in 1946, and was subsequently elected to four terms. He retired in January, 1971 and died on November 6, 1971 in Bartow, Florida.

From the description of Correspondence, 1941-1945. (Florida State Archive). WorldCat record id: 32413948