News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Weds. April 29, 2026: A GoFundMe established in honor of slain Haitian-American Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen has raised nearly $50,000 toward its $250,000 goal, as family, friends, and the wider community continue to mourn her loss.
The Nancy Metayer Endowment Fund was launched on April 8th by her sister, Jennifer Metayer-Smith, to support the family and preserve her legacy. Just days later, on April 17th, hundreds gathered at Church by the Glades for a public viewing and celebration of life, remembering the 38-year-old leader for her compassion, energy, and dedication to service.
Metayer Bowen, the first Black and Haitian-American woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission, was widely described as “the heart of the commission” and a leader who made people feel seen and included.
A graduate of Florida A&M University and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, she built a career in public service and was preparing to launch a congressional bid when she died.
House lawmakers honored Metayer Bowenon April 28th during a short floor session, holding a roughly 20-second moment of silence after brief comments about her accomplishments and legacy.
Speaker Pro Tempore, Wyman Dugganof Jacksonville, delivered the remarks before members marked their attendance.
“Earlier this month, we tragically lost Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen. Elected in 2020 at just 32 years old, she quickly became a respected leader and dedicated public servant in her community. As an environmental scientist, she championed environmental and public health initiatives. More importantly, she was deeply devoted to her family and friends,” he said.
“She was a friend to many in this House, and her legacy will never be forgotten. On behalf of Reps. (Christine) Hunschofsky and (Anna) Eskamani, I ask for a moment of silence for Nancy Metayer Bowen. Members, please join me in a moment of silence.”
Her death has also reignited calls for stronger domestic violence protections.
HUSBAND
Authorities have charged her husband, Jamaican Stephen Bowen, with premeditated murder, and he remains in custody without bond. Bowen, 40, appeared in court without his attorneys at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday. His attorneys have submitted a written not guilty plea after Bowen was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the death of his wife. He’s being represented by Glenn Roderman and Philip Johnston of Roderman & Johnston after the public defender’s office asked to recuse itself on the basis of some of the attorneys’ relationships with the vice mayor.
The indictment shows a grand jury has charged Bowen with first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm and tampering with evidence, namely a firearm and a cell phone. The indictment was entered in court records on April 22nd. After reaching Bowen’s attorney by phone from the courtroom, Judge Ernest A. Kollra scheduled a status hearing for May 28.
Meanwhile, Coral Springs officials planted a tree in her memory. It bears a plaque with her name and a phrase repeated at her memorials: “Be like Nancy.”
U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitzhas also filed legislation to rename a local post office after her.
