Outstanding Mayor of Pensacola: 1922-1931

J. Harvey Bayliss was elected a Pensacola city commissioner in 1922,and when chosen as Mayor at age 28 he was the youngest mayor in the country. He served three three-year terms as mayor and was elected to a fourth term but never served because in 1931 the form of city government changed. Only Adm. Charles Mason, who was mayor for 12 years, and Vince Whibbs, who served 14 years, exceeded Bayliss' years as mayor.

Bayliss was born in Pensacola on Dec. 23, 1893. He was the son of James and Elizabeth Bayliss. He was educated in Escambia County public schools and attended some business courses. His first job was with the city attorney, John B. Jones. He was appointed assistant city comptroller while quite a young man and was comptroller when he was elected mayor.

During Bayliss' second term as mayor he was elected to the State Road Department as representative from West Florida. He promoted development of the roads in the county and state and was an original supporter for the Old Spanish Trail through Escambia County. Bayliss' push for better highways provided development of roads and highways throughout the state as well as the county. Scenic Highway was completed during the late 1920s and the Pensacola Bay Bridge opened in the spring of 1931.

In an editorial following Bayliss' death, W. R. Helie praised Bayliss for his dedication to the city. Helie said Bayliss was "the most popular young executive in this entire area." One of the contributions to the city while Bayliss was mayor included the city-owned radio station, WCOA, which began broadcasting from city hall Feb. 3, 1926. The radio station was to advertise the "Wonderful City of Advantages" with Johnny Frenkel, jovial announcer, calling himself "The Breezey Boy from the Gulf". Broadcasts were made from the top floor of the San Carlos Hotel after John C. Pace purchased the station in the early 1930s.

Bayliss was 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 was a member of the Methodist church. When he died Sept. 15, 1954, he was survived by his wife, Lucille, and a daughter. He was buried in St. John's Cemetery 2 North Section 25.