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Letter to the editor

Smiling mayor on the mend

Jimmy Johnson is doing well after the surgery, but he can't have visitors.

By Anne Lindberg, Times Staff Writer
Published March 5, 2008

SEMINOLE - Mayor Jimmy Johnson was continuing to improve Tuesday after receiving a new lung over the weekend.

"He's off the machines. The tubes have been removed," said Doc Kinsey, president of the Seminole Chamber of Commerce. "He's smiling. He's got all the nurses smiling."

Kinsey added that Johnson, who is also the chamber's executive director, "had a little bad night (Monday). I guess some of the medication is wearing off."

Kinsey said it would likely be a few more days before anyone other than family can visit Johnson, who is in Tampa General Hospital under an alias. The fake name, Kinsey said, is for Johnson's protection.

"They don't want anybody near him," Kinsey said.

As it is, he said, Johnson's daughter and fiancee aren't allowed near his bed. They have to look at him through a glass window in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Johnson, 65, was diagnosed late last year with pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal lung disease. Doctors said his only chance was to have a lung transplant.

The call came about 6 a.m. Sunday, and, by 3 p.m., he had a new left lung. With luck, Johnson could return home next week.

Until then, the chamber is accepting cards, flowers and other wishes for the mayor. A "giant" card is also available for people to sign. The chamber is at 8400 113th St. N.

Forum is Thursday

One thing Johnson will miss is Thursday's city-sponsored candidates forum. The 7 p.m. forum will be broadcast live from City Hall, on Bright House Channel 615, and streamed live over the Internet at www.myseminole.com.

Council members John Counts and Bob Matthews are running for re-election.

Other candidates are former council member Trina Watkins and Patricia Plantamura. The top two vote-getters in Tuesday's election will win the two available seats.

[Last modified March 5, 2008, 00:35:23]