Candidates for Florida governor visit local constituents

Posted on July 5, 2018 By Editor Neighborhood News, San Jose, San Marco, St. Nicholas

Two candidates for the office of governor for the state of Florida dropped in on two occasions to visit supporters and potential constituents.

Ron DeSantis, an Iraq war veteran and U.S. Representative for Florida’s Sixth District, was honored at a fundraising reception at the San Jose Country Club June 14, where 80 guests came together in support of DeSantis’ bid for Florida governor. DeSantis, who couldn’t make the event due to a crucial vote in the House, was represented by his wife Kasey Black DeSantis, who introduced her husband via a video feed.

DeSantis made remarks about his goals, his drive to succeed and remembered the shooting at a congressional baseball game a year earlier. The events that injured his fellow Congressmen shook the young representative, who parted the game five minutes prior to the shooting, perhaps sparing his life.

The host committee included Alexandra and Dr. Scot Ackerman, Gayle and Michael Balanky, Sharon and Richard Browdy, Maggie and Larry Gaskins, Julie and Joe Helow, Mary Pat and Dave Kulik, Marcia and Dick Morales, Nancy and Ted McGowan, Patricia and Fitzhugh Powell, Jr., David Robbins, Carol and Robert Shircliff, Christie and Kent Stermon, Connie Turner, Janet and Dale Westling, and Debra and Steve Vining. Bob Shircliff and Ted McGowan led the charge, sponsoring the evening’s event at the club.

Dave Kulik with Bob Shircliff, Mary Pat Kulik and Joe Helow at a fundraising reception for Florida gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis for Florida governor supporters Ross Carrier with Dan Jackson, Doug Kirchhoff, Joe Sissine, Charlie Arnold, Eddie Essa and Bert Costa

A few months earlier, philanthropist Lawrence DuBow was one of the hosts and avid supporters of a Gwen Graham for Governor fundraiser held at 6000 on the River in Lakewood March 30.

“I support Gwen Graham for the position of governor of the state of Florida…and my reasons are many, but most importantly, she communicates well, understands ALL the people of Florida and listens to every citizen of the state,” said DuBow, who was joined at the Graham fundraiser by several other well-known Jacksonville figures, including Ellen Wiss, Scott and Nancy McLucas, Alton and Gwen Yates, Preston Haskell, Senator Bruce Smathers, Paula Liange, Pam Paul, Caroline Burroughs, Robert Scott, Marjorie Broward, and others.

DuBow emphasized that Graham has mastered the art of leadership and well as listening.

“You gotta know how to listen,” said DuBow, of Epping Forest. “Gwen listens well, understands and appreciates what people are telling her…and has the intelligence and capability to develop the necessary action required.”