Polk community mourns mayor

ELOISE - A well-known community leader in Polk County has passed away.

Johnny Brooks was the mayor of Eloise, a community south of Winter Haven, and he was probably its greatest champion.

At 64 years old, he had dedicated much of his life to helping others. He and his wife coordinated projects like the Great American Cleanup and the Homework Club for kids after school.

He passed away after battling a long illness at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.