Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) died on Tuesday at age 84 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Palm Beach County Commissioner Mack Bernard announced his death at Tuesday’s commission meeting. Friends and family members confirmed the news to several local news outlets. “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Congressman Alcee Hastings,” Bernard said, reported WPTV. “Congressman Hastings was a dedicated public servant and leader. We are very thankful for his service and contributions to Palm Beach County and all of the residents of Palm Beach County and the 20th congressional district.” Hastings spent nearly 30 years representing a district in South Florida as a House representative. “Congressman Hastings broke barriers as he fought to advance civil rights as the first Black Federal Judge in the State of Florida and first black Congressperson to represent Florida since the Civil War,” said State Sen. Lauren Book, a Democrat, …