The City of Palatka honored former mayor Wilford P. Merriam during its recent commission meeting, recognizing his significant contributions to the community. Merriam served as mayor from 1915 to 1921 and later as a county commissioner from 1924 to 1932. His leadership extended beyond politics; he was also the chairman of the Putnam County chapter of the American Red Cross and president of the Palatka Chamber of Commerce, where he promoted economic development and local business cooperation. The commission unanimously approved a proclamation to celebrate Merriam's legacy, which will be commemorated with a photo displayed in city hall.

In addition to honoring Merriam, the meeting featured the graduation of the City of Palatka Leadership Academy's 2025 class. Dr. Joe Saviak, the program's professor, praised the graduates for their dedication and the skills they developed, including project management and problem-solving. The academy aims to cultivate future leaders within the community, and this year's class showcased their learning through presentations and case studies on leadership principles.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to recognizing its history and investing in future leadership, ensuring that Palatka continues to thrive through engaged and capable public servants. As the city moves forward, the contributions of both past leaders like Merriam and the new graduates will play a crucial role in shaping the community's future.