Current Residents
Charles "Charlie" Joseph Crist, Jr.
44th Governor of Florida (2007-present)
Personal Background:
- Born July 24, 1956- Altoona, PA
- First Lady Carole Rome, married in 2008
Education:
- Graduated from St. Petersburg High School, Saint Petersburg, FL; Class president
- Attended Wake Forest University, Wake Forest, NC
- Graduated from Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL; Vice president of student body
- Graduated from Cumberland School of Law, Birmingham, AL
Service to Florida:
As the grandson of an immigrant from Cyprus, and the son of a physician and homemaker, Governor Crist has strived to prove that the American dream can become a reality for all of our citizens. His interest in politics began at an early age. He served as class president at St. Petersburg High School, as well as starting quarterback. With an undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law, Governor Crist has worked tirelessly for the citizens of Florida on issues regarding education, crime, the environment, and senior citizens. Prior to his inauguration, Governor Crist served as Florida's Attorney General, Commissioner of Education, Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and in the Florida Senate.
Most Notable Contributions as Governor:
In his inaugural address, Governor Crist pledged to work tirelessly to earn the trust placed in him by the citizens of Florida. He stated:"This will be Florida's greatest century. If we move forward together as Floridians to do the people's work, there is nothing we cannot achieve- -the People's legislature and the People's governor following the People's agenda." Among his most notable initiatives are the Florida Office of Economic Recovery, Cover Florida [offering affordable health insurance], Florida Discount Drug Card, Governor's Fitness Challenge, Open Government, Serve to Preserve, Amendment 1 Property Tax Savings and Employ Florida Marketplace.