The room filled with tears and hugs several times as many community members stood up to honor former Sarasota County Commissioner Christine Robinson.

“I tried really hard not to cry when Bill (Gunnin, North Port Area Chamber of Commerce director) called me, and I tried not to cry today,” Robinson said. “I consider you friends and it’s not hard to advocate for people you consider friends. You wrapped your arms around me. You could have rejected me, but you wanted me to represent you and that’s an honor and privilege I can’t describe.”