By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Artis Gilmore, who concluded his 18-year career in Italy, playing the 1988–89 season for Arimo Bologna, now known as Flats Service Fortitudo Bologna, is entering politics.
Despite being nearly 40 years old, the Hall of Fame center took his talents overseas. Dominating on the court by averaging a double-double with 12.3 points and 11.0 rebounds earned him a European All-Star Team selection.
Decades earlier, he became a Florida icon by leading Jacksonville to the NCAA title game in 1970. Establishing himself as A-Train, he went on to make 11 All-Star teams across the ABA and NBA, and win a championship with the Kentucky Colonels as the Playoffs Most Valuable Player in 1975. Between 1976 and 1988, he suited up for the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics.
At 77 years old, the Chipley, Florida, native is transitioning into local government. On Tuesday, he officially launched his campaign for the Jacksonville City Council, running as a Democrat for a countywide, at-large seat in 2027. As a political newcomer, he is challenging incumbent council president Nick Howland.
Since 2007, Gilmore has served as a special assistant to the university president at Jacksonville and as a radio color commentator for Dolphins games.
“Jacksonville gave a kid from Chipley a scholarship, an education and a home, and I’ve spent my life trying to pay that forward,” he said. “I grew up one of ten children. My father fished for a living, and my mother was a teacher, and they taught me that you show up for your neighbors. That’s what I will do on the City Council. Every child in this city deserves the chance to finish their education, including our children and adults with special needs. And every family deserves a neighborhood with safe parks, good roads, and streets free of blight.”
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