Governor Charlie Crist

More than any other state, Florida defines the breathtaking scope of our American experience. It was here that Europeans first ventured into the New World, an from here, genius and courage took mankind to the moon. From Florida, America literally reaches for the stars.

I am deeply honored for the privilege given to me by the people of Florida to lead our great state.  I love living in Florida and love serving her people and working to make our home the greatest state in the nation.  Already we are accomplishing great things, but there is much more work to do.

I am inspired by my grandfather Adam, who came to this country in 1914 from the island of Cyprus.  He arrived nearly penniless at Ellis Island in New York City and was told that they were hiring shoeshine boys in Altoona, Pennsylvania.  He went there and worked for the five dollars a month. His struggles and his love of freedom have inspired my family for two generations.

My grandfather's legacy reminds me that future generations in Florida will be shaped and inspired by decisions made today by state and community leaders.  For that reason, I am committed to working to provide a solid foundation for Florida's children, so they can develop their full potential and build their own hopes and dreams for the future.

I cognize that Florida's diverse wealth of cultural and historical resources play an important role in enhancing the quality of life in our state.  As Floridians, we enjoy great opportunities for a strong education, economic development and community revitalization.  The programs and services of the Divisions of Cultural Affairs and Historical Resources stimulate and contribute to the economic engine that assures a brighter future for all our citizens.

Florida is at a pivotal moment in her history, and our best days are still ahead.  As we enter this new and exciting era, I look forward to working as "The People's Governor" because the people of Florida are my boss.  I am committed to always listening -- to both the needs that are important to the people, and to ideas for meeting those needs.  This exchange of ideas  is what makes Florida a great place -- for both today and tomorrow.

GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST was elected to serve a Florida's Governor on November 7, 2006.  Charlie Crist was born in 1956 in Altoona, Pennsylvania.  His family settled in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1960.  Governor Crist received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University in 1978, and his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama.  He was elected to the Florida Senate in 1992.  In 1999, Governor Jeb Bush appointed him Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  In 2000, Governor Crist became Florida's last elected Commissioner of Education, and in 2002, Florida's first elected Republican Attorney General.