DeSantis Orders Flags Lowered to Honor Slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer
April 16, 2026 • By Kevin Deutsch
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Nancy Metayer {Facebook}[/caption]
Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in Coral Springs and Tallahassee on Friday, April 17, in honor of slain Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer, part of an official state tribute to the trailblazing politician.
In a directive issued Thursday, DeSantis ordered both the U.S. and Florida state flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and at all local and state government buildings in Coral Springs. The order recognizes Metayer’s service to the city and the impact of her loss on the community.
Metayer was fatally shot in what police say was a premeditated murder by her husband at their Coral Springs home April 1 — a tragedy that has sent shockwaves through South Florida and beyond. Stephen Bowen has been charged with his wife’s murder, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Metayer made history as the first Black and Haitian American woman elected as a city commissioner. First elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, she was appointed vice mayor in December 2024. Before entering public office, she worked as an environmental scientist focused on water quality, public health, and disaster response across Florida.
A Celebration of Life event and viewing hosted by Metayer's family will be held Friday, April 17, at Church by the Glades, 400 Lakeview Dr. in Coral Springs.
Viewing is open to the public from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a Celebration of Life at 12:30 p.m, according to the city.
To honor cultural traditions, attendees are asked to avoid wearing shades of red, burgundy, or purple, as these colors are considered disrespectful, according to an announcement from the city.
The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Metayer's family has asked that no photos or video be taken inside the sanctuary.
"The city encourages all who wish to honor Vice Mayor Metayer to do so not only in remembrance but by carrying forward the values she embodied, uplifting others, making space at the table, serving with compassion, and working toward a more sustainable future," the city's announcement states.
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