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Associated Press
3 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
John Thrasher, former Florida State president and state House speaker, dies at 81
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and longtime state legislator, died on Friday. He was 81. Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm. 'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. Thrasher, a Republican, was a member of the Florida House from 1992-2000, serving as speaker during his last two years. After leaving elected office, he went on to co-found The Southern Group lobbying firm. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and stayed there until 2014. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry,' Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said in a statement. 'His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education.' Thrasher served as president of Florida State University from 2014 to 2021. He earned a business degree from the school in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Thrasher returned to Florida State to earn a law degree in 1972. 'John's love for Florida State University was truly inspiring,' current FSU President Richard McCullough said in statement. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research.' A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, near Jacksonville. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Aug. 19 at Florida State in Tallahassee.
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
John Thrasher, former Florida State president and state House speaker, dies at 81
John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and longtime state legislator, died on Friday. He was 81. Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm. 'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. Thrasher, a Republican, was a member of the Florida House from 1992-2000, serving as speaker during his last two years. After leaving elected office, he went on to co-found The Southern Group lobbying firm. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and stayed there until 2014. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry," Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said in a statement. "His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education.' Thrasher served as president of Florida State University from 2014 to 2021. He earned a business degree from the school in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Thrasher returned to Florida State to earn a law degree in 1972. 'John's love for Florida State University was truly inspiring,' current FSU President Richard McCullough said in statement. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research." A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, near Jacksonville. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Aug. 19 at Florida State in Tallahassee.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
John Thrasher dies; was FSU president, House speaker, Florida GOP titan
John Thrasher – a towering figure in Florida politics and higher education whose decades of public service left a lasting imprint on the state – has died after a battle with cancer, his family announced May 30. He was 81. Thrasher, a longtime Republican who came to power when the GOP began its takeover of state government in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was Florida House speaker and a state senator. He was a partner with The Southern Group, the lobbying firm he helped found, 2001-09 before being elected to the Senate. Thrasher served in the House from 1992 to 2000, the final two years as speaker. He was chair of the Senate Rules Committee and chaired former Gov. Rick Scott's reelection campaign. Thrasher was nominated for the FSU presidency by Sandy D'Alemberte, a Democrat who was president of the university 1994–2003. He was president 2014–21. He was president during the November 2014 shooting on the school's Tallahassee campus. A gunman went into the university's Strozier Library just after midnight and opened fire, injuring three before he was quickly shot and killed in a hail of bullets by Tallahassee and FSU police. From 2021: Moments that best exemplify John Thrasher's leadership at FSU, as told by those who know him Thrasher rejoined The Southern Group after retiring from FSU. He was later replaced by current President Richard McCullough. In retirement, Thrasher – a lawyer by training – also was listed as a professor at Florida State's College of Law. "Thrasher earned his bachelor's degree in business from FSU in 1965," his FSU Law bio says. "After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal in Germany and was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. After he was honorably discharged as a captain in 1970, Thrasher returned to FSU, earning his law degree with honors in 1972." For a story when the Democrat named him Person of the Year for 2015, the newspaper said no other nominee for the honor "faced such daunting challenges and met them with such tenacity, integrity and success." Here's more from that story: "Not an academic — as was the top advertised requirement for the job — Thrasher, 72, surrounded himself with people who were and got out of their way. He answered the faculty's longtime call for market equity raises to recognize their value and enable FSU to compete for talent with other top-notch institutions. "He publicly condemned bad conduct by members of FSU's lauded football team and championed better ways to support victims of sexual violence in the wake of the Jameis Winston rape allegation — all the while facing excoriating criticism by national media outlets. Also: Key dates during the John Thrasher tenure at Florida State University "He boldly differed with members of his political party in opposing the current push to allow guns on campuses. "He connected with students and every-day employees just as he did as one of the Florida Legislature's most powerful leaders – by listening and taking the time to know them by name. "Then there was the $100 million donation he secured from the family of businessman Jim Moran to create a brand new college devoted to interdisciplinary entrepreneurialism. The enormous, unprecedented gift stands to change the face of FSU and Tallahassee for years to come. "Amid the tumult of his choice as president, former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz wrote in an October 2014 Tallahassee Democrat column: 'My prediction is that, years from now, even some of the critics will be proud to say they attended or taught at Florida State University during the glory days of John Thrasher's presidency.' "During an interview ... Gaetz, who considers Thrasher one of his closest friends, recalled his words a year (prior). 'I'm glad, of all the predictions we politicians make, I was right about this one,' he said. 'I knew I'd be.' ' In an exit interview with the Tallahassee Democrat after retiring from FSU, Thrasher said he hoped his legacy would be one of student success. "I came from a pretty poor background. I was the first person in my family to not only go to college, but the first person in my family to graduate from high school. Education comes to me as an extraordinarily important thing," he said. "When some student comes to Florida State University, my job is to make sure they get the best chance they can to achieve their hopes and dreams and go out and make a difference in the world." "It is with great sadness that the family of former Florida State University President John Thrasher, 81, shares notice of his passing. "President Thrasher, who also served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and as a member of the Florida Senate, passed away this morning (May 30), surrounded by his family in Orlando, Fla. "A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, Fla., with a celebration of his life to be held at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee, Fla., on the 19th of August. "The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits, and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health, and Cornerstone Hospice." This is a developing news story and may be updated. Check back later for more. This story contains previously published material. Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network – Florida Capital Bureau. Reach him at jrosica@ and follow him on Twitter/X: @JimRosicaFL. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: John Thrasher – retired FSU president, former state lawmaker – dies
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former FSU president John Thrasher under treatment for cancer, his firm announces
Former state lawmaker and retired Florida State University president John Thrasher is "battling cancer," his lobbying firm announced April 22 on social media. "Our prayers and best wishes go out to John Thrasher today, a founding partner in this firm and one of Florida's most storied public servants in this century," The Southern Group said in a post on X. "John is battling cancer and is currently at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare where he is receiving treatment," it added. "His amazing public record of accomplishment — House Speaker, Senator, FSU President — often obscures his private greatness as a friend and mentor. "He is a fighter, and he has the love and support of the entire TSG family." Thrasher rejoined the firm after retiring from the presidency of FSU, where he served 2014-21. He was later replaced by current President Richard McCullough. Thrasher, a longtime Republican who came to power when the GOP began its takeover of state government in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was Florida House speaker and a state senator. He was a partner with The Southern Group 2001-09 before being elected to the Senate. 'I'm not going to be lobbying, per se, mostly working in client development and working with existing clients, not the Legislature,' Thrasher told the Tallahassee Democrat in a 2021 interview when he rejoined The Southern Group. Thrasher also is listed as a professor at Florida State's College of Law. Requests for comment are pending with the university and the Florida House. 'John Thrasher has been a fighter his whole life," Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, said in a statement on behalf of himself and his wife Missy. "He fought for our country in Vietnam, earning a battlefield commission and two bronze stars. He fought for and won the Republican Revolution in Florida. He fought for FSU as their biggest fan and advocate. "Speaker of the House, the Lion of the Senate, and Chair of the RPOF, he fought for school choice, parental rights, and so much more," he added. "I know he's running to this fight. Given his track record, I'd say the odds are in his favor. Missy and I praying for John, Jean (Thrasher, his wife) and the entire family.' Thrasher served in the House from 1992 to 2000, the final two years as speaker. He was chair of the Senate Rules Committee and chaired of former Gov. Rick Scott's reelection campaign. Thrasher was nominated for the FSU presidency by Sandy D'Alemberte, a Democrat who was president of the university 1994–2003. He was president during the November 2014 shooting on the school's Tallahassee campus. Myron May, 31, went into the university's Strozier Library just after midnight and opened fire, injuring three before he was quickly shot and killed in a hail of bullets by Tallahassee and FSU police. John Thrasher looks back on challenges, changes as he leaves Florida State presidency 'We need you now more than ever': FSU's Thrasher presides over his final commencement Moments that best exemplify John Thrasher's leadership at FSU, as told by those who know him Key dates during the John Thrasher tenure at Florida State University This is a breaking news story and may be updated. Byron Dobson of the Tallahassee Democrat and the News Service of Florida contributed background. Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network's Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jrosica@ Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Retired FSU president John Thrasher 'battling cancer,' his firm says
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo to step down, take job with lobbying firm in Washington
Hialeah Mayor Esteban 'Steve' Bovo plans to step down to join a prominent lobbying firm in Washington D.C. that has expanded its operations after the Trump came into office, according to several sources within Miami-Dade's political circles.. Bovo has received an offer from the firm The Southern Group with a compensation package exceeding his current mayoral salary of $150,000 plus a $40,000 expense account to cover work-related expenses, according to sources familiar with the first-term mayor's private discussions with confidantes. Bovo's office has not responded to Miami Herald efforts to reach him for comment. Two sources familiar with the mayor's plans said Bovo is expected to leave his post to become a lobbyist for the Washington office of The Southern Group. The lobbying firm website lists Daniel Diaz-Balart, son of former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart and nephew of U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, as one of the firm's representatives. Additionally, the firm's Miami office also employs Oscar J. Braynon II, a Democrat and former Florida state senator. Two months ago, Bovo told the Herald that he was committed to his job in the city of Hialeah and had no intention of getting caught up in 'fantasies that don't exist' regarding speculation about his joining the Trump administration. When asked about Bovo's future plans, his political consultant, David Custin, told the Herald on Tuesday, 'This week, I'm not speaking to the press about Mayor Bovo's political, personal, or professional decisions' he said. 'Ask me again later this month.' This career shift isn't Bovo's first foray into lobbying. He has a background in consulting, having worked as an in-house Florida lobbyist for Miami Children's Hospital and collaborated with the Hialeah Park Casino during his tenure on the Hialeah city council. Bovo's move to Washington became more likely following former U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's confirmation as secretary of state, further solidifying his political ties. Rubio's longstanding relationship with the Bovo family, especially through Bovo's wife, Viviana, who has worked alongside Rubio since his days as Speaker of the Florida House, has strengthened their political bond. After Rubio left the state House he made Viviana Bovo a consultant, marking a significant step in her political career that began in 2004 as a legislative aide for then-state Rep. Manuel 'Manny' Prieguez. Viviana Bovo played a pivotal role in securing lucrative contracts of key organizations like Miami Children's and Jackson Memorial hospitals. Meanwhile, Bovo served as an in-house lobbyist for Miami Children's, contributing to the successful collaboration that secured substantial funding for both hospitals. Their ties continued through Esteban Bovo's career: Rubio swore him into office as a Miami-Dade commissioner and later officiated the swearing-in of Bovo's stepson, Oscar De La Rosa, to the Hialeah City Council. Rubio has supported Bovo throughout, from endorsing his bid for the Florida House of Representatives to helping launch his campaign for Miami-Dade mayor. Bovo's ties to Rubio strengthened when he endorsed him over Donald Trump for president in 2016, but Bovo later became an advocate for Trump, even recommending the renaming of Palm Avenue to 'President Donald J. Trump Avenue' in 2023, marking the first time a sitting or former U.S. president was so honored in Hialeah. When Bovo steps down, City Council President Jacqueline Garcia-Roves will assume the role of Hialeah's interim mayor, making her the first female mayor in the city's nearly 100-year history. She will serve for the remainder of Bovo's term, until the next election in November. Garcia-Roves, a relatively low-profile figure on the council, has served since 2019 and was reelected without opposition in 2023. Her council seat would become vacant and filled by appointment, requiring the vote of at least four council members within 30 days. Two council seats were filled in this manner in 2024. Garcia-Roves will return to her council seat once the mayoral position is filled in November, unless she chooses to run for mayor. The mayor's seat and four council seats, including two interim positions, will be up for grabs in November. Bovo, 62, born in Queens, New York, is the son of Cuban immigrants Marilyn and Esteban Bovo Carás. His father was a member of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961. Bovo met his wife Viviana in 1997 at Hialeah Park, where he was the racetrack marketing director and she was applying for a job. They married two years later, and Viviana became a U.S. citizen. They have five children. Bovo's political journey began in 1998 when he was elected to the Hialeah City Council with the backing of the city's first and only Democratic mayor, Raul Martinez. He later served as a state representative for District 110 from 2008-2011 before joining the Miami-Dade County Commission in 2011, where he represented District 13 until running for county mayor in 2020, a race he lost to Daniella Levine Cava. Bovo went on to win the Hialeah mayoral race in 2021, with a significant endorsement from former President Trump. Since then, he has held the office of mayor in Hialeah, a city with a strong-mayor form of government, giving him substantial executive power. Several local political figures are seen as potential candidates for mayor: ▪ Rene Garcia, Miami-Dade county commissioner for District 13, which includes Hialeah, has yet to confirm his intentions. He told the Herald, 'Until I hear from Steve Bovo directly on what he is or isn't doing, there's no point in me discussing what I may or may not be doing.' ▪ Jesus Tundidor, a current member of the Hialeah City Council who was first elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023 without opposition, has also weighed in. Having previously served as council president, Tundidor said, 'Hialeah has always been in good hands with Mayor Bovo and Senator Garcia. I'll follow their lead.' ▪ Luis Rodriguez, current Hialeah Council vice president, elected in 2019, is expected to seek reelection in November. 'We definitely need to wait until the mayor makes any decision or announcement,' he said. 'Then I will see how I can help my city in the long term.' ▪ Bryan Calvo, a former Hialeah City Council member elected in 2021, who resigned in 2024 to run for Miami-Dade tax collector but lost in the Republican primary, said, 'I'm keeping my options open.' Miami Herald staff writer Douglas Hanks contributed to this story.
