John Long

John Long (September 20, 1946 – October 26, 2005) was a Democratic politician from Florida who served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1986 to 1994 and as Pasco County Superintendent of Schools from 1996 to 2004.

Early life Long was born in Wauchula, Florida, in 1946, and graduated from Hardee High School. He attended the University of South Florida, graduating with his bachelor's degree in psychology in 1968, and taught in Manatee County public schools while his wife completed her nursing degree. Long returned to USF to earn his master's degree in education in 1970 and doctorate in 1976. He was appointed assistant superintendent of schools in 1977. He won the Democratic nomination over former county school board member Betty Thompson, winning 66 percent of the vote to her 34 percent.

Long was re-elected unopposed in 1988 and 1990. In 1992, following redistricting, he ran for re-election in the 45th district, and was re-elected unopposed.

Pasco County Superintendent of Schools In 1994, Long announced that he would not seek re-election to the State House, and instead would run for Pasco County Superintendent of Schools in 1996, or seek an appointment to the position if voters opted to make it appointed. After voters rejected a measure to make the office appointed, Long ran in 1996, and was elected unopposed. After Weightman, the outgoing superintendent, retired from the position early, Governor Lawton Chiles appointed him as Weightman's successor, and he was sworn in by Lieutenant Governor Buddy MacKay on September 3. Long declined to seek re-election in 2004.

Death On October 26, 2005, died of a heart attack while vacationing with his wife in Montana.