George N. Cretekos (born January 26, 1947) is an American politician from the state of Florida. A member of the Republican Party, Cretekos is the former mayor of Clearwater, Florida. Prior to his election as mayor, he served as a congressional aide to Bill Young for 36 years, and served on the Clearwater City Council.
After graduating with his master's degree, Cretekos accepted a job as a legislative aide for Bill Young, who had been elected to the United States House of Representatives, starting in 1971. He served in the role for 36 years.[1] Cretekos was elected to the City Council of Clearwater, Florida in 2007,[3] filling the remainder of Hoyt Hamilton's term. He was elected without opposition.[2][4] He was re-elected in 2008,[1] and was sworn in as Vice Mayor in 2008.[3] He was elected mayor of Clearwater in 2012.[5][6]
Cretekos is Greek Orthodox, and thought about becoming a priest when he was young. After leaving Young's office, he spent a month in Indonesia as a missionary.[2]
Cretekos and his wife, Carolyn, live in the Sand Key section of Clearwater.[1] His father, Nick, worked as a mail carrier and auctioneer. He has three siblings.[9] His grandfather was a sponge merchant.[1] His grandfather's sponge diving boat, the George N. Cretekos is on the United States' National Register of Historic Places. The Cretekos family are related to Maria Callas.[10]
