When he's not chasing after three rugrats or serving in the Florida National Guard, or even jamming out to AC/DC's "Thunderstruck,"  State Rep. Mike Giallombardo (R) is swinging political lightsaber and putting  Progressive Democratic colleagues in the Florida House of Representatives on a political "Highway to Hell" whenever they propose some outlandish, big government proposal or legislative measure.

Name: Mike Giallombardo (Twitter)

Political Party: Republican

Position: State Representative, District 77

Elected: 2020

Committees: Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee, State Affairs Committee, Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, Regulatory Reform Subcommittee, Secondary Education & Career Development Subcommittee, State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee

Military/Rank: Chief Warrant Officer United States Army, Florida Army National Guard, 13 Years, Chief Warrant Officer, Operation Iraqi Freedom

Born: 10/27/1982

Spouse: Wendi

Children: Luca, Presley, Ivey

Education: Georgia Military College, AS,, cadet military, football; Florida Atlantic University, BA, Criminal Justice, football; American Military University, MA, International Relations/Conflict Resolution,

Policy Goal(s): Support Technology and Innovation for Florida, create cybersecurity policy that protects our infrastructure, and support pro-business policies that help existing businesses to grow and new ones to start.

Top Issue(s): Cybersecurity and commerce

Immigration/Border: We must protect our borders, enforce the laws that we have on immigration, and encourage those to come to the US the right way

Tax Reform: Continue to be a NO income tax state and find ways to reduce taxes and put more money in Floridians' pockets.

Foreign Policy: I believe that we must maintain a strong military, have fair trade practices, and not apologize for being the greatest nation on this earth. As a member of the State Legislator, I think that we as a state continue to build relationships with friendly nations and invite intellectual proper to make its home here and help grow our economy. In the 2021 session we started to tackle foreign advisory influence issues and prohibiting local government from partnering with nations that pose national security threats.  It's important for states to do their part when it comes to foreign policy issues like economic and state security.

Economy: I believe in the free market and stimulating growth by cutting regulations, reducing taxes, and creating an environment that sparks new businesses.

Dream Job: I have it!

Favorite Movie: Goonies

Favorite Quote: “Do or Do Not. There is no try” Yoda 

Favorite Sport/Team: Football and Chicago Bears

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Music: Rock

Favorite Band/Song: AC/DC

 What is your family’s constant complaint about you? No complaints yet 

In your words, how would you describe the U.S. Congress/State Legislature/ Executive Office? Service

The post THE FLORIDIAN: State Representative Mike Giallombardo appeared first on The Floridian.

When he's not burning his family's breakfast, serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve, or tutoring kids in Tampa,  State Rep. Andrew Learned (D) is busy finding some other meal to burn, as his family will attest to his lack of cooking skills. According to one legislative staffer, who asked that we keep his name out of this post, Rep. Learned can even find a way to burn water. Word is his amigo in the legislator, Rep. Dan Daley is also a "gifted" cook.

Name: Andrew Learned (site)

Political Party: Democrat

Position: District 59

Elected: 2020

Committees: Judiciary, Criminal Justice, Justice Appropriations, Early Education

Former: Small Business Owner and Navy Officer

Military/Rank: US Navy, LCDR

Born: 8/4/86

Spouse: Amanda

Children: Flynn and Lola

 Education: University of Tampa

Major:   Economics and Government and World Affairs (double)

Policy Goal(s): Veterans, Education, Healthcare

Top Issue(s): Jobs, Clean Energy, Marijuana

Immigration/Border: Meh, not a state issue

Tax Reform: I voted against the new Republican Sales Tax

Foreign Policy: We should have one

Economy: Support

 Hobbies: Cycling

Dream Job: Stay at home dad and semi-professional cyclist

Favorite Movie: The Martian

Favorite Quote: Some men see things as they are and ask, “Why?” I dream things that never were and ask, “Why not?” -Robert Kennedy

Favorite Sport/Team: All things Tampa Bay and EF Pro Cycling

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Music: EDM

Favorite Band/Song: Lumineers

What is your family’s constant complaint about you?: Bad cooking

In your words, how would you describe the U.S. Congress/State Legislature/ Executive Office?: Brandon, Riverview, and parts of Tampa, Valrico and Seffner.

Tell us more about yourself, anything: I’m still a member of the US Navy Reserve having completed my five years of active service and I own a small tutoring company in Brandon called GradePower Learning.

The post THE FLORIDIAN: State Rep. Andrew Learned appeared first on The Floridian.

State Rep. Dan Daley, a former Republican-turned-Democrat from Coral Springs is arguably one of the most likeable and approachable hombre in Florida's House Democratic Caucus. Rep. Daley is considered a moderate Democrat who has been one of the strongest advocates for gun reform as a result of the Parkland High School shooting in February 2018. When he is not legislating or boating, Daley can be found at your local cowboy country bar line-dancing with the masses.

Just kidding. Daley loves him some country music, but word on the street is that he has two left feet.

Name: Dan Daley (Twitter)

Political Party: Democrat

Position: State Representative

Elected: 2018

Committees: Commerce Committee, Regulatory Reform Committee, Environment, Agriculture & Flooding Subcommittee, Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.

Former: Coral Springs City Commissioner 2012-2017

Born: 2/16/1990

Education: Florida State University, Nova Southeastern University College of Law

Major:   Political Science/Criminal Justice, Law.

Top Issue(s): Preventing something like the tragedy at my alma mater, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, from happening again.

Hobbies: hiking, scuba diving, boating.

Favorite Movie: Dark Knight or the Joker

Favorite Quote: “It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes, you are ready” The Old Man and the See - Ernest Hemingway OR “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.”

Favorite Sport/Team: Florida State Seminoles

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite Band/Song: Dave Matthews Band/Ants Marching

The post THE FLORIDIAN: State Representative Dan Daley appeared first on The Floridian.

Being arguably one of the best-dressed and most visible legislators in the Florida legislature along with Sen. Jason Pizzo (D) and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D), State Senator Shevrin "Shev" Jones (D) is known to many as a simply man of Dios. That's a little Spanglish for,  a man of God.

Rooted in strong family values and spirituality, Sen. Jones sashays around Tallahassee as if he was the Prince of Zamunda with a reputation of being very approachable and easy to work with, at least that is what he paid me to write. I'm Kidding, of course.

We recently had the privilege of meeting momma and poppa Jones at one of Sen. Jones' legislative district meetings. Let me just say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Jones is the spitting image of his pops, only pop dresses sharper and looks younger. Oh!

Soul brother Jones hates sports, but if you twist his arm a bit, he'll root for the Miami Dolphins, but only if you let him hold the remote, and only if you sit and watch Eddie Murphy in Coming to America.

We are still trying to figure out if the paper bag Jones had crumbled up on the passenger seat of his car was from McDonald's or McDowell's.

Name: Shevrin “Shev” Jones (Twitter)

Political Party: Democrat

Position: State Senator

Elected: 2012

Committees: Health Policy; Healthcare Appropriations; Education (Vice Chair), Transportation, Finance & Tax

Born: 10/12/1983

Spouse: Matthew Beatty

Children: No kids - #DogDad to Titos

Education:

Florida A&M University B.S. Chemistry/Molecular Biology

Florida Atlantic University Masters – Educational Leadership/Higher Ed

Major:   Chemistry/Molecular Biology

Policy Goal(s): To represent the most marginalized in a way that they see me as an advocate for them and not a politician.

Top Issue(s): Education, Healthcare, and Social Justice

Dream Job: Wherever I have the opportunity to serve people.

Favorite Movie: Coming to America

Favorite Quote: “I will not die the man that could have been, but never was.”

Favorite Sport/Team: I hate sports, but if you are going to twist my arms, the Miami Dolphins

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Music: Gospel/Neo Soul

Favorite Band/Song: Lucky Daye

What is your family’s constant complaint about you?: I won’t rest!

In your words, how would you describe the U.S. Congress/State Legislature/ Executive Office?: Too polarized

What is something funny/embarrassing that has happened to you?: I gave the wrong speech to a group of 11^th graders back in 2017.

Tell us more about yourself, anything: My parents raised my brothers and I to be respectful to people, to always keep a smile on our face, no matter the circumstance, and to look at every mistake as an opportunity. It’s the golden rule that I believe in with my whole heart.

The post THE FLORIDIAN: State Senator Shevrin Jones appeared first on The Floridian.

If you happen to be walking the halls of The Death Star (Congress) and bump into a six-foot-something hombre sporting a color-coordinated three-piece suit and is wearing a congressional member lapel pin on his coat, you have just run into the very reserved Congressman Greg Steube, Republican House member from Central Florida.

Armed with his congressional lightsaber to help him fend off liberal Federation Democrats, Rep. Steube represents one of those very Republican-leaning districts where even the invasive wild boars, pesky iguanas, and stinging honey bees are registered, Republicans.

Steube is also a member of the Apiary and Beekeeper Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Would you believe me if I told you doesn't wrestle alligators, but does tangle with bees?

Name: Greg Steube

Political Party: Republican

Position: U.S. Congressman

Elected: 2018

Committees: Judiciary, Foreign Affairs

Former: Florida State House 2010-2016; Florida State Senate 2016-2018

Military/Rank: US Army; Captain

Born: 5/19/1978

Spouse: Jennifer

Children: Ethan

Education: University of Florida (BS, JD)

Major:  BS: Beef Cattle Sciences; Juris Doctor

Issues: https://steube.house.gov/issues

 Favorite Movie: Star Wars

 Favorite Sport/Team: Gators

Favorite Color: Camo

Favorite Music: Christian

The post THE FLORIDIAN: U.S. Rep. Greg Steube appeared first on The Floridian.

Democratic State Senator Jason Pizzo swears he is not running for governor in 2022, even though many politicos and wannabee politicos are circulating his name as a potential challenger to Gov. Ron DeSantis. It's not happening.

Sen. Pizzo is not ruling out a potential future (no this cycle) statewide run for office, but right now he seems pretty content with his current gig.

The milkshake-loving Pizzo, who is BFF with Sen. Lauren Book (D),  is arguably one of the better-dressed members of the Florida legislature. While he does not dress as colorfully as Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D), he does give Sen. Shevrin Jones (D) a run for his knickers.

Pizzo may be a lot of things to friends and colleagues, but a seasoned skateboarder he is not.

Name: JASON PIZZO

Political Party: DEMOCRAT

Position: STATE SENATOR (Twitter)

Elected: 2018

Committees: CRIMINAL JUSTICE, APPROPRIATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE, COMMERCE AND TOURISM, SELECT COMMITTEE ON PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE AND JOINT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT

Former: SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT

Born: 05/20/1976

 Spouse: APRIL PIZZO

Children: TWIN BOYS- JACK AND JULIAN

Education: NYU, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY (FINANCE MASTERS), AND UM JD.

Major:   JOURNALISM

 Policy Goal(s): CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM & INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESILIENCY

Top Issue(s): SAME AS POLICY GOALS 

Dream Job: HAVE IT

Favorite Movie: THE NATURAL

Favorite Quote: “DON’T EAT YELLOW SNOW”

Favorite Sport/Team: THE YANKEES, AND WHICHEVER LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM MY BOYS ARE PLAYING ON

Favorite Color: BLUE

Favorite Music: GOLDEN OLDIES

Favorite Band/Song: THE TEMPTATIONS- AIN’T TO PROUD TO BEG  

What is your family’s constant complaint about you?:  WORK TOO HARD.

In your words, how would you describe the U.S. Congress/State Legislature/ Executive Office?: TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL AND UNREALIZED OPPORTUNITY.

What is something funny/embarrassing that has happened to you?: WIPING OUT ON A SKATEBOARD RAMP TRYING TO IMPRESS MY SONS (VIDEO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST).

Tell us more about yourself, anything: I LIKE CHOCOLATE SHAKES, CHEESEBURGERS AND PIZZA.

The post THE FLORIDIAN: State Senator Jason Pizzo appeared first on The Floridian.

One of many rising political stars in the state of Florida, State Senator Lauren Book (D) has made a name for herself championing children's welfare and women's rights and is considered a top potential candidate for statewide elected office in the coming elections. Sen. Book's life revolves around her twins, and during the legislative session, Book can be seen pulling around her two little one's around the Capitol complex in a wagon. The last stop of the day for the Book wagon is usually to Papa Ron Book's office.

Book is a diehard Miami Hurricanes fan and loves to sing "Baby Shark do-do-do-do-do."

Name: Lauren Book

Political Party: Democrat

Position: Florida State Senator, Democratic Leader

Elected: 2016

Committees: Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, Chair; Regulated Industries, Vice-Chair; Appropriations, Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, Health Policy, Rules, Select Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and Response, Joint Legislative Budget Commission 

Born: 10/12/84

Spouse: Blair Byrnes

Children: Kennedy Grace and Hudson Lee, four-year-old girl/boy twins

Education: Two-time University of Miami grad!

Major: B.A., Elementary Education and Creative Writing, 2008; M.S., Community Psychology and Social Change, 2012

Policy Goal(s): To make Florida a better place for children – especially those who are victims of abuse or neglect – and families, advancing Democratic social issues, and ensure our state’s limited resources are strategically allocated to yield the greatest benefit possible for all Floridians.

Top Issue(s): Child welfare, children & family issues, women’s rights, victims’ rights, environmental protection

Dream Job: I am fortunate to hold my dream job right now: advocating for issues I believe in and being a mom.

 Favorite Movie: Notorious

 Favorite Quote: “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past, let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” – John F. Kennedy

 Favorite Sport/Team: Allegiant to the U! Go Canes!

 Favorite Color: Blue

 Favorite Music: Whatever silly songs my children happen to be singing, well maybe not Baby Shark after 1,000 listens

 Favorite Band/Song: The Dave Matthews Band

 What is your family’s constant complaint about you?: Why would they complain!? In all seriousness, probably that I am too hard on myself.

 In your words, how would you describe the U.S. Congress/State Legislature/ Executive Office?: Caught up too often on the wrong things. Caught up in politics, in campaigning, in producing soundbites for media headlines, in appealing to extremes and too worried about campaign ads. At the end of this Session, I was honored and humbled to be elected by my colleagues to lead the Florida Senate Democrats, effective immediately. As leader, I know there will be a time for campaigning and making our case to voters, and a time to fight vigorously for Democratic values. Then there will be a time to lay down arms and reach across the aisle to find common-ground solutions that benefit everyday people. I believe Floridians are tired of non-stop, unproductive fighting like they see in Washington. I have a deep respect for (Republican) Leader Passidomo and her work to make Florida a better place for all Floridians. We will certainly have a great deal of disagreements, but I know that we will work together above the fray of partisan sniping because the people of Florida deserve that much from their elected leaders.

 What is something funny/embarrassing that has happened to you?: Having a male member walk in while I was pumping to feed my twins!

 Tell us more about yourself, anything: My number one goal in life is to show my children that women can do and be anything.

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