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= Robert W. Easley = Robert W. Easley (1848 - August 14, 1896) was the 29th mayor of Tampa. He also served in the city's council from 1893 - 1894.

Easley was born on a plantation in Pontotoc, Mississippi in the year 1848. Not much is known about his childhood or his early adult years, except he was an attorney by profession. Easley arrived at Tampa in 1891, quickly becoming the co-owner of the Tampa Tribune. Easley later became president of the Tampa and Palmetto Beach Railroad. He established the Florida Loan and Investment Company. Easley was a developer for East Tampa in the time he was in the city.

He began his involvement in politics, and became City council on March 10th, 1893. He would serve under city council for about a year when he was elected as the 29th mayor of Tampa. He would serve as mayor for one term.

During his time in office as mayor, The freeze of 1894-1895 killed 70% of all citrus crops in Florida, and turned Tampa's temperature to just 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Mayor Easley and City Council attempted to provide some economic relief to citrus growers, but soon discovered that the loss was beyond their ability.

Due to his ill health, Easley had declined running again for mayor, and returned to Mississippi. Easley died on August 14, 1896 in Verona, Mississippi, aging 48 years old.