Beverle Rivera

Beverle Rivera, former mayor of Lakeland, died Aug. 11, 2023, at the age of 95. Rivera served as the first mayor of Lakeland from its incorporation in 1977 until 1989. A native of Memphis, Rivera attended Memphis State University and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She lived in Memphis; Boston; Closter, N.J.; and Puerto Rico before ultimately residing in Lakeland and was instrumental in the incorporation of the city. She also operated a day care in the area. Following her death, she left several items to the city including the first flag flown over Lakeland City Hall.