GREEN COVE SPRINGS – In a heartfelt tribute to a late local hero who dedicated his life to saving others, the Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation honoring Dr. Peter J. Gianas by passing a resolution dedicating a portion of State Road 230 to “Dr. Peter J. Gianas Memorial Highway.”

Affectionally known as “Dr. G,” Gianas was not only a brilliant but also a compassionate person who cared for people for more than 20 years. He was the Medical Director for several public safety agencies, including the fire departments of Clay Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist and Union counties. Gianas, who died in 2021, lived near Kingsley Lake.

“We are honoring a real pillar of the (entire) North Central Florida region,” said BCC Chair Betsy Condon. “He played a significant role in training our paramedics in advanced life support techniques.”

He was an integral part of the health operation for several local organizations and medical programs in the area. Gianas oversaw a complete rewrite of the county’s Emergency Medical Services standard operating procedures, served on the Board of Directors for the Area Health Education Center and the International Trauma Life Support Board and worked with many state and rural EMS organizations. He even developed an Advanced Airway Training Course with the University of Maryland. 

Several of Gianas’ friends and colleagues, including several county fire chiefs and his friends, spoke highly of Dr. G. Friends Allen Parrish and Scotty Taylor, who accepted the award on behalf of his family.

“I know it’s a proclamation a lot of his supporters have been waiting for, and we’re pleased to bring it to you today,” said Commissioner Mike Cella.

Reflecting on his close friendship with Gianas, Robert Autry, who lives on Hampton Lake in Bradford County, said, “He was the best friend there ever was. He would do anything for you. He was a very giving person. I could bring my grandchild by, and he would look at her ear. It didn’t matter what it was. He would do it. (Gianas) was a great man.”

Autry’s wife provided context on the significance of naming the portion of State Road 230 now named for him.

“He would leave his house at Kingsley Lake and travel to Bradford County Hospital, which became Santa Fe Health Care and then Shands Stark Medical Center. That was his main route from his house, and that is the artery that served our community,” she said.

Autry described Gianas as humble.

“He wouldn’t want all of the attention. He was very modest. But we certainly appreciate what Clay County has done with the proclamation. We just need to get Bradford County on board now,” he said. 

The county’s decision to honor Gianas is not only a tribute but a celebration of his spirit of dedication to his selflessness, education and service to the community.