South MS councilman who suffered head injury resigns to focus on recovery
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Councilman’s son signed his father’s “retirement statement,” effective immediately.
- Ron Roland suffered a brain bleed in July 2025 after a fall and had been absent.
- City Council will consider accepting his resignation and set a special election date.
Gulfport Councilman Ron Roland, who represents Ward 2, has resigned for health reasons, the city announced Thursday.
Roland’s son, Justin Roland, signed a “statement of retirement” dated April 22. The resignation is effective immediately.
“At this time, it is necessary that he step away from his official duties to continue focusing on his recovery and health,” said the statement, signed by Justin Roland as his father’s conservator and guardian. “This action is being taken to ensure that the responsibilities of the office continue to be carried out with the consistency and attention they require.”
Roland suffered an intracerebral hemorrhage, or brain bleed, in July 2025 after a fall. He had hoped to return to the job. In a September update on Roland’s condition, his son said it was “nothing short of a miracle” that his father was recovering.
Roland had served as a councilman since 2017. His wife, Libby Roland Milner, had previously served in the position but died of cancer in 2014.
Mayor Hugh Keating said in the city’s news release: “Ron has been a dedicated public servant to our community, and while we understand and respect this decision during this difficult time, he will be greatly missed. His recovery from traumatic injury has been nothing short of miraculous. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Ron and his family as he continues his recovery.”
The resignation letter, which Keating said he received Thursday morning, will be placed on the council agenda for a special meeting set for 11 a.m. Monday, when the City Council is expected to accept his departure. Roland has been absent from the council dais since his injury. The council also is expected to set a date for a special election for the Ward 2 council seat.
