The founder of the Florida Keys’ longtime tourism public relations agency has been honored by the Monroe County Commission.

At its most recent meeting, the commission passed a unanimous resolution decreeing that Saturday, Oct. 27, be proclaimed “Lieutenant Stuart G. Newman Day” in the Florida Keys.

Newman, 96, served in World War II as a navigator aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress, completing 35 missions.

He and 72 other veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam are to travel to Washington, D.C., Saturday as a part of an initiative organized by Honor Flight South Florida. Vets traveling reside in areas between West Palm Beach and Key West.

The organization’s goals are to help veterans travel to Washington to visit their respective memorials at no charge.

Newman’s son, Andy, who spearheads the Keys account for the firm, is to accompany his father on the trip.

Monroe County Commissioner George Neugent, a World War II history buff, sponsored the resolution to honor Stuart Newman. NewmanPR has provided support for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council since its inception.