Sergio Campos was the face of Loch Ness.
When residents wanted to know everything about Miami Lakes, Campos, a longtime resident and president of the Loch Ness Homeowners Association, told them anecdotes that enriched their minds with knowledge to become good homeowners, and taught them to appreciate the quality of living.
“He was described as the best friend in the world to the Miami Lakes community,” Mayor Michael Pizzi said at last week’s Town Council meeting, where, on behalf of the Town Council, he proclaimed May 5, 2015 as Sergio Campos Day.
Campos’ family, friends and council members paid tribute to him during the special presentation portion of the meeting, honoring a man who loved his family and community so much that he shared his passion with everyone he met, including strangers.
Campos died on Apil 26 after a long battle with cancer.
He was 72.
For his hard work and dedication to Miami Lakes, town officials drafted legislation to co-designate Loch Ness Drive as Sergio Campos Way. The road is the main entrance to Campos’ beloved Loch Ness, a community that he served and contributed to for many years.
Council members will approve a resolution in June requesting Miami-Dade County rename the roadway in his honor.
During the council meeting, lawmakers shared fond memories of a man who was indefatigable in his devotion that helped meld Miami Lakes into a better city, and treated residents like family.
Vice Mayor Manny Cid said he recalls vividly the time when he was soak-drenched while on the campaign trial, and the Campos welcomed him into their home.
“During my campaign in 2012, it was raining and I was soaking wet walking through Loch Ness when Sergio and his wife, Miriam, invited me inside their home,” said Cid, who sponsored the initiative to rename the road after Campos. “When I got to know them, that’s when the first moment where I say Campos truly loves Loch Ness and this community. From the bottom of my heart, we appreciate all of the work he has done for years, and renaming the road is a token of our appreciation.”
Born in Cuba, Campos and his wife moved to Miami Lakes 30 years ago and he immediately played an active role in his community.
He was elected president of the Loch Ness Homeowners Association and held the position for many years.
Along the way, he earned so much respect that Florida Governor Rick Scott took notice.
“He not only has an impact to the town but state wide as well,” Cid said. “When Scott and his staff discussed Miami Lakes in emails, they talk about Campos.”
Councilmember Tony Lama said Campos was a walking encyclopedia.
“I learned a lot about my area and the lakes thanks to him,” said Lama. “He knew the history of all the areas in Miami Lakes and could tell the entire story of your neighbor. He spent his entire life serving the community.”
Councilmember Tim Daubert said Campos helped him during his first term as president of the Lake Carol Homeowners Association.
“I learned a lot from him and how things ran, and he told me about the background of Miami Lakes,” Daubert said. “I truly learned a lot from him.”
Councilmember Nelson Rodriguez summed up Campos’ life. “He was a great man.”
His daughter, Lissette Campos-Perez, a television news reporter in Tampa, said even in death, she will always admire her father.
“My dad was, and remains, my hero,” she said.
David Campos said Miami Lakes renaming the street in his father’s honor was overwhelming for his family.
“On behalf of the Campos family, I can’t tell you how honored we are that you guys are considering naming a street after my father for his legacy and contribution he made to the community,” he said. “It’s beyond belief.”
Besides his wife, Campos is survived by his daughter Lissette and her husband Angel Perez, his son David and his wife Susan, his daughter Denise Hing and her husband Leonardo, and eight grandchildren.