COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ENDORSE GREGORY

Today, the Tommy Gregory Campaign announced the endorsement of Sarasota County Commissioners Paul Caragiulo, Charles Hines, Alan Maio, and Michael Moran and Manatee County Commissioner Robin DiSabatino. Gregory is running for the District 73 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, currently held by Joe Gruters, who is running for the Florida Senate.

“Tommy Gregory is far and away the best candidate in this race,” said Caragiulo. “His exemplary military record, his experience as a small business owner, and his commitment to our community all combine to make him well qualified to represent us well in Tallahassee, and I look forward to working with him to make further improvements to our area’s quality of life.”

Caragiulo was elected to the District 2 seat on the Sarasota County Commission in 2014, and he served as Commission Chair in 2016. From 2011 to 2014, he served on the Sarasota City Commission. As a small business owner, he has been a strong advocate for economic development, and SRO Magazine named him one of the “25 Most Influential Men and Women in Sarasota.”

“District 73 needs Tommy Gregory in the Florida House,” said Hines. “I’m proud to support Tommy’s campaign, and I look forward to working with him because I know we can count on him to look out for our best interests in Tallahassee.”

Hines holds the District 5 Commission seat, and he served as Commission Chair in 2014. He has been a practicing attorney in Sarasota since 1991, and he serves on the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors and with the Venice Chamber of Commerce and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“The clear choice to represent us in the Florida House is Tommy Gregory,” said Maio. “I’m confident that he will emerge as a very effective conservative leader in the House, and I look forward to working with him.”

Maio has been the District 4 Sarasota County Commissioner since being elected in 2014. He serves on numerous local boards, including the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Board, the Visit Sarasota County Board, and the Sarasota Habitat for Humanity Board. Maio is an Army veteran and successful local entrepreneur.

“Tommy Gregory has a distinguished record of service,” said Moran. “His military career and his service to our community have prepared him to be a great fit for the Florida House, and I’m very glad to support him.”

Moran was elected to represent District 1 on the Sarasota County Commission in 2016. He serves as Vice Chair of the Sarasota County Planning Commission and as Chair of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Regulation Committee. He also serves on the board of the Center for Autism Resources and Education.

“I’m proud to endorse Tommy Gregory,” said DiSabatino. “His track record of service to our country and community will serve our area very well. Tommy will work diligently for both Manatee and Sarasota Counties and he will be a hands-on steward of our resources. I urge all District 73 voters to join me in supporting him.”

DiSabatino has been a very active member of the community since permanently relocating from Delaware in 2004. She was elected to the Manatee County Commission in 2010 and has served on the Port Authority, Civic Center Authority, and the Community Redevelopment Agency. DiSabatino has also been active in the Manatee Republican Executive Committee and other numerous community organizations.

“All of these county commissioners are devoted public servants and community leaders, and I’m honored to have their support,” said Gregory. “I really appreciate their local leadership, and I look forward to working with all of them on issues of concern to the residents of Manatee and Sarasota Counties.”

Caragiulo, Hines, Maio, Moran, and DiSabatino join a distinguished list of current and former elected officials in endorsing Gregory. They include former U.S. Senator Connie Mack; Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight; former Manatee Sheriff Brad Steube; State Representative Danny Burgess; and former State Senator Lisa Carlton.