Al-Burt-Obituary

Al Burt

Jacksonville, Florida

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Jacksonville, Florida

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A legendary reporter whose work included several books, an Ernie Pyle Award and being shot by the U.S. Marines while on assignment in the Dominican Republic, Al Burt died Saturday in Jacksonville after a battle with chronic illness and heart trouble. He was 81.

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my uncle al died 3 years ago

We always enjoyed reading Al Burt's articles.

I am the Marine helicopter pilot who evacuated Mr Burt after he was shot in the Dominican Republic in '65. I only saw him that day, and he, of course, was in no condition to talk.
I always regret that we never had the chance to talk about that day.
Rest in peace.

As a Miami resident I loved Al Burt's columns but didn't realize until I moved to Melrose that Florida's best journalist was my neighbor. Melrose, and Florida, were rich because of Al and Gloria, and Melrose and Florida are much the poorer now. Al, we miss you.

May the comforting thought from the Bible book of Revelation, the 21st chapter, verse 4 be of comfort to you. It reads: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” I offer my sincere condolences to you all.

I lived in Dade County for 50 years and LOVED reading Al's columns about all his travels around Fla. I loved his tales of local history and adventure....he was a wonderful writer and touched many people.

Al was "THE BEST !!!!! Always read his stories traveling Around Florida and loved them......R I P

Al Burt's stories from around Florida were my favorite stories to read in the Miami Herald, but my fondest memory of him was when he read his Psalm to a crooked river at Putnam County Environmental Council's Rally for the Rivers in Palatka. He called damming of the Ocklawaha River "The Dam Shame." He had the ability to make people truly care about Florida and her people. He was a great man.

I learned more about the essence of Florida and Floridians by reading Al Burt's work than any means other than by getting on the state and county roads and experiencing things for myself. That he also motivated me to do. If not for him, I would have never have gone to La Belle to check out Flora and Ella's for myself, would never have sampled their pies, would never have explored the area and enjoyed the Caloosahatchee River. Thank you, Al. Godspeed.