Daniel T. McCarty
| Daniel T. McCarty | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 31st Governor of Florida | |
|
In office January 6, 1953 – September 28, 1953 |
|
| Preceded by | Fuller Warren |
| Succeeded by | Charley E. Johns |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives | |
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In office 1937–1941 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
January 18, 1912 Fort Pierce, Florida |
| Died | September 28, 1953 (aged 41) Tallahassee, Florida |
| Resting place | Ankona, Florida |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Olie Brown McCarty |
| Religion | Episcopalian |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Bronze Star Purple Heart Legion of Merit Croix de Guerre |
Daniel Thomas "Dan" McCarty (January 18, 1912 – September 28, 1953) was an American politician and elected officeholder. McCarty was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, and served as its speaker, and was later elected the 31st Governor of Florida.
Dan McCarty was born in Fort Pierce, Florida, the son of a prominent local family, and grew up in a large house on Indian River Drive just south of the present courthouse in downtown Fort Pierce. He attended local public schools including the University of Florida. While at the University of Florida he was extremely active within Florida Blue Key, Student Government, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, and ROTC. After finishing his education in 1934, McCarty became a cattleman and citrus grower in Fort Pierce. He married Olie Brown with whom he had three children. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army, was promoted to the rank of Colonel, and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Legion of Merit, and the French Croix de Guerre.
He began his political career when in 1937, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives where he served until 1941. During the 1941 session, he served as speaker of the house. In 1948 he was the runner up for the Democratic nomination for governor. Four years later in 1952, he ran for governor again, and this time was successful in winning the office. During his tenure, he reformed purchasing and hiring practices by the state government, boosted teachers' salaries and created scholarships for teacher training, opposed oil exploration in the Everglades, and instituted aid programs for the disabled. A chain smoker, McCarty's health was already weakened by the end of the 1952 Gubernatorial contest. According to the book Finding Dan McCarty, the Governor would frequently skip meals and overworked his already frail constitution.
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