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Former Governor Claude Kirk was remembered today as the first Republican Governor of Florida since reconstruction. Kirk died Wednesday at age 85. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, Kirk was both forward thinking and considered a maverick.

Governor Claude Kirk, Claudius Maximus as he was sometimes called, returned to the Historic Capitol where he served from 1967 to 1971.

On the January day he was inaugurated, Claude Kirk surprised Florida’s political leadership with this announcement.

“[I am]…calling for a Special Session of the Legislature,” he said.

Kirk didn’t bother telling anyone what he was doing. He was often just as unpredictable over the next four years.

He signed legislation that paved the way for Disney World. He tangled with lawmakers over salaries. And Kirk hated sharing power with the elected State cabinet, referring to them as the dwarfs.

In 1968, Kirk instigated the nations first teachers strike when he vetoed pay raises in the state budget. He also spent much of that year actively campaigning for Republican Presidential candidates, hoping to be the Vice-President.

Eight years after losing to Rubin Askew, Kirk was back running for Governor again, this time as a Democrat..

“I’m going to prove we are going to be Governor,” Kirk said.

He picked an African-American to be his running mate; he first African-American to run statewide.

“When someone asked me who was going to be Lt. Governor, I said it would knock your eyeballs out,” he said. “I produced that!”

Florida’s 36th governor was full of life at Rick Scott’s inauguration in January.

“What did you think of the speech?” someone asked.

“Outstanding!” Kirk replied.

Kirk died Wednesday at home in West Palm Beach.

After lying in state this afternoon, Kirk’s remains were driven to the Governor’s Mansion for a last visit. He will be buried at a private service in West Palm Beach on Monday.