J. Harvey Bayliss

James Harvey Bayliss was the mayor of Pensacola from 1921 to 1931.

J. Harvey Bayliss
Born	December 23, 1893 Pensacola
Died	September 15, 1954 Pensacola
Occupation	Mayor of Pensacola
Religion	Methodist
Spouse	Lucille Bayliss
Parents	James E. and Elizabeth Bayliss
Children	One daughter

Public service

Bayliss worked for a time as a clerk under Pensacola City Attorney John B. Jones before becoming assistant city comptroller and later comptroller.

Bayliss was elected as a city commissioner in 1921 and was thereafter appointed as mayor. At the time of his appointment, Bayliss, 28, was the youngest mayor in Florida. Bayliss served three three-year terms as mayor.

During his service as mayor, Bayliss also represented northwest Florida at the State Road Department, helping spur significant road development in Escambia County, including Scenic Highway and the Thomas A. Johnson Bridge over Pensacola Bay.

The city also began operation of the city-owned WCOA radio station in 1926, during Bayliss' tenure.

Personal life

Bayliss was a active in the community, as a member of the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, Woodmen of the World, Masons and the Shriners.

He died September 15, 1954 and was buried in St. John's Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Lucille, and a daughter.

Preceded by: Frank Dent Sanders

Mayor of Pensacola 1921-1931

Succeeded by: Henry Clay Armstrong