Former Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno celebrates 66th birthday; gearing up for canvassing board duties

Retired face of government stays fit with 10-mile mountain bike ride every morning in vicinity of Ponce Inlet residence

Frank Bruno

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Though Frank T. Bruno stepped off the dais nearly two years ago after a 20-year-run as the face of Volusia government -- the final eight as the first elected county chair -- his political legacy remains in place, considering his successor and others meet twice monthly in the council chambers re-named in his honor.

Bruno told Headline Surfer® in a telephone interview earlier in the day for The Sunday Conversation that he feels content and fulfilled with the routine he has grown accustomed to in this relatively new chapter of his life away from the often taxing political spotlight -- pun intended.

"I'm too busy to really miss it," said Bruno, who quietly celebrated his 66th birthday the day before Halloween with his wife, Mary Bruno, along with a visit from 9-year-old grandson, Ian Dillon of Port Orange.

Asked what kind of presents he received and if there was one in particular he liked, perhaps dress socks, new neck ties or cologne, Bruno responded,  "Nothing like that. The only present I got that was really special was Ian giving me his report card. He opened it for me and I saw that he had all good grades, which made me feel so proud. That was the best birthday present I could ever want and have."

Bruno will be at the Historic Volusia County Courthouse on Election Day for his duties on the Canvassing Board, along with Supervisor of Elections Anne McFall and County Judge Christopher Kelly.