Personal information
- Earned a bachelor's degree in broadcasting from the University of Florida in 1984.
- Received a law degree from the Stetson University College of Law.
- Works as an attorney.
- Married to Kerry. They have a son and a daughter.
Political career
- Served on St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board in 1999.
- Appointed to a vacancy on St. Petersburg City Council in 2000. Was elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2003. In 2005, he was elected to serve as the Chair of the City Council.
- Served as Vice-Chair of Lesitlative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Treasurer and Vice-Chair of the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organzation and Cahri of Public Safety, Service and Infrastructure Committee.
- Elected to Florida House of Representatives in 2006, re-elected in 2008 and in 2010.
Positions
- Opposes the Lens: "The waterfront is the jewel of the city. So whatever happens there impacts our waterfront and it impacts our entire city. So that is one of the reason that I want to make sure we get it right."
- Says he will fight to keep the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg: "The Rays are a real asset to our community, and as a community we not only have invested our tax dollars in the Rays but a lot of people gave up their homes and businesses for that stadium to be built."
- Supports small businesses as job creators: "If I can get 10 businesses that employ 50 people versus holding out hope and waiting for that one with 500, I'll take the 10. Because what I want to do is nurture those businesses and watch them grow from 10 to 100."