Councilmembers speak on Mayor Joe Coviello's sudden death

Councilmembers Tom Hayden and Jessica Cosden mourning the loss of Mayor Joe Coviello.

They say they'll remember him for his thoughtfulness and dedication for the City of Cape Coral.

OUR LOOK AT THE LIFE AND LEGACYOF CAPE CORAL’S MAYOR CONTINUESAFTER THE CITY ANNOUNCED HISSUDDEN PASSING EARLIER TODAY..THOSE WHO WORKED CLOSEST TOMAYOR JOE COVIELLO SHARING THEIRTHOUGHTS TONIGHT....AND CITYCOUNCIL MEMBERS SHARE THEIR*MEMORIES OF THE MAYOR WITH FOX4’S RACHEL LOYDNEWS NO ONE WAS PREPARED FOR.It was shocking, and incrediblysad for his family, and thecommunity.

Joe had such a bigheart for the city.THE SUDDEN DEATH OF MAYOR JOECOVIELLO THIS MORNING HIT THOSEWHO KNEW HIM BEST, HARD.COUNCILMAN TOM HAYDEN TOLD FOX 4COUNCIL MEMBERS GATHERED AT CITYHALL AFTER THEY GOT THE NEWSTHIS MORNING.The fire chaplain came over, andwe all said a prayer together,which was really nice.

It’sthese days when you, you know.You come together.THE NEWLY ELECTED COUNCILMANSHARED A DEFINING MOMENT HE HADWITH THE MAYOR.

BEFORE HE WASOFFICIALLY SWORN INHE SAT IN ONA COUNCIL MEETING.I was standing in the back, andhe didn’t have to say it, but hesaid Councilmember Hayden’s inthe back.

We really look forwardto working with him.

He’s goingto be a good addition.

So, justthose little details.

Caringabout the people that werearound him.COUNCIL WOMAN JESSICA COSDENALSO MOURNING THE LOSS OFCOVIELLOWHOM SHE’S WORKED WITHFOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.

SHESHARED THIS STATEMENT WITH FOX4: "Mayor Coviello led withdignity and passion.

He servedthe city with such dedication.We will miss him terribly."WHILE THEY’RE STILL GRIEVING,HAYDEN SAYS CITY LEADERS WILLHAVE TO THINK ABOUT WHAT COMESNEXT.There’s two options.

The citycan appoint a new councilmember.

If that doesn’t happenwithin 30 days, then there hasto be a special election.

Evenif we appoint a councilmember,we can still have a specialelection.COVIELLO’S TERM WAS S