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PLANTATION - Mildred L. Hastings, the mother and political adviser of U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, has died. She was 82.
Alcee Hastings was by his mother's side when she died Thursday at Westside Regional Medical Center from complications related to heart disease, his office said.
"Mom was my greatest friend and mentor," Hastings said. "She taught me everything."
Born in Altamonte Springs, Mildred Hastings attended Crooms Academy in Sanford and worked as a domestic with her husband, Julius Hastings, for 25 years. Alcee Hastings was her only child.
Alcee Hastings was Florida's first black U.S. district judge. He was impeached by the U.S. House because of bribery allegations.
His mother testified during his criminal trial and he was acquitted in 1983. As he left the courtroom, he asked the judge's secretary: "Can I use your phone? I want to call my mama."
Hastings, D-Miramar, was elected to Congress in 1992.