House lawmakers honored slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen during a short floor session, holding a roughly 20-second moment of silence after brief comments about her accomplishments and legacy.

Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan of Jacksonville delivered the remarks before members marked their attendance.

“Earlier this month, we tragically lost Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen. Elected in 2020 at just 32 years old, she quickly became a respected leader and dedicated public servant in her community. As an environmental scientist, she championed environmental and public health initiatives. More importantly, she was deeply devoted to her family and friends,” he said.

“She was a friend to many in this House, and her legacy will never be forgotten. On behalf of Reps. (Christine) Hunschofsky and (Anna) Eskamani, I ask for a moment of silence for Nancy Metayer Bowen. Members, please join me in a moment of silence.”

Metayer Bowen, 38, was widely regarded as a rising figure in Broward County politics. An environmental scientist by training, she was elected to the Coral Springs Commission in 2020, becoming the first Black and Haitian American woman to serve on the panel. She was re-elected without opposition in 2024 and appointed Vice Mayor later that year.

Her career included work on environmental and public health initiatives across Florida, as well as roles on local and state boards focused on sustainability, housing and civic engagement.

She was also active in Democratic politics, serving in leadership roles tied to Haitian American voter outreach and participating in presidential campaign efforts.

According to Coral Springs Police, Metayer Bowen was killed in an apparent domestic violence incident at her home on April 1. Officers conducting a wellness check found her deceased after city staff raised concerns when she failed to attend scheduled meetings and could not be reached.

Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was later taken into custody. He faces charges of premeditated murder and tampering with evidence.

In December, Metayer Bowen’s 26-year-old brother, Donovan, died by suicide after a yearslong battle with schizophrenia. He was a survivor of the Feb. 14, 2018, mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

An outpouring of grief followed Metayer Bowen’s death, with colleagues and community leaders remembering her as a compassionate public servant and a dedicated advocate for her community.

Metayer Bowen’s family has since established an endowment to honor her commitment to resiliency, equality and justice while also providing financial assistance to her immediate family as they grieve.

On Friday, Coral Springs officials planted a tree in her memory. It bears a plaque with her name and a phrase repeated at her memorials: “Be like Nancy.”

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz has also filed legislation to rename a local post office after her.

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