Commissioner Greenwell mourned
Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell, 62, has died following a battle with cancer.
Lee County officials announced his death this afternoon.
He served in District 5 since 2022 after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to fill the vacancy left by the death of Frank Mann, who also died of cancer. He won a special election that year to keep the seat and was re-elected in 2024.
Greenwell ran 31 Produce, a fruit and vegetable farm and market and cafe in North Olga, a contracting business and was a former Major League Baseball All-Star with the Boston Red Sox.
“He was a strong advocate for the people and businesses of Lee County and will be remembered for seeking meaning solutions to the challenges his community faced,” a post by Lee County Government on Facebook states.
Greenwell was a popular outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, nicknamed “Gator” and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2008.
He also was a graduate of North Fort Myers High School.
Greenwell previously owned “Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park” in Cape Coral, which opened in 1992. It is now named Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park under new ownership.
Lee County District 5 Commissioner Mike Greenwell has died. He was 62. Greenwell had long operated 31 Produce, a fruit and vegetable farm, market and cafe, as well as a contracting business. He was also a a former Major League Baseball All-Star with the Boston Red Sox. File photo by Nathan Mayberg
“Mike Greenwell has always been a local hero, a hometown boy from North Fort Myers who made it big,” said District 4 County Commissioner Brian Hamman, also in a Facebook post. “After his baseball career, Mike drove race cars and later competed in professional bass fishing tournaments. Whatever he did, he worked hard to be at the top of his game.
“When he joined us on the County Commission, I’ll admit I was a little starstruck, but I also knew he would pick it up quickly.
“Sadly, I learned today that Mike passed away after a battle with thyroid cancer. I want to send my deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to Tracy and the entire Greenwell family. I always admired how much Mike cared for his family. He was proud of them and loved them deeply. He also cared deeply for this community and worked hard to make it a better place as a commissioner.
“I wish we could have worked together longer. We will miss you, #39.”
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno also shared words of remembrance Thursday afternoon.
“Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Commissioner Greenwell and deeply admired his professionalism and service to the great residents of this county,” Marceno said. “For those who knew him, Mike was a loyal family man, a dedicated business man, and local leader who was extremely passionate about the well-being of this county.
“Today we honor the life and contributions of Commissioner Greenwell, and are mourning this profound loss alongside his family, friends, and all of those who loved him.”
Greenwell had recently closed 31 Produce after selling the land to the state for compensation for a road widening project for State Road 31, which has been renamed Babcock Ranch Road.