Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis (R) has been endorsed by the Florida Forestry Association (FFA) and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association (FFCA). Patronis, who serves as Florida’s Fire Marshal, has also received endorsements from a number of political figures including President Donald Trump (R) and Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody (R).
In a statement, Ray Colburn, the FFCA Executive Director, praised Patronis’ work in office, arguing that Patronis has been deeply involved in the front lines of catastrophic moments such as the Bay County wildfire and Hurricane Michael.
Colburn commented that “Patronis has continued to advocate for legislation that supports firefighters and first responders across the state and we’ve been shoulder to shoulder with him many times as we headed into disasters,” adding that Patronis is “a man of his world and isn’t afraid to face adversity for our firefighters.”
FFA President Carlton Jones issued similar remarks, saying that Patronis “has been a vocal advocate for forestry throughout his time in public service.”
Jones added that “as a small business owner, his commonsense, solution-driven approach to issues reflects the outlook of many who work in the forest industry.”
In endorsing Patronis, Jones highlighted that “time and again, he has acted in the best interest of our state and its people.”
In response to the endorsements, Patronis thanked the Florida Fire Chiefs’ association for their endorsement, noting, “someone needs to lead the way in legislation on their behalf,” which is what Patronis expects to do continue doing should he win reelection.
In thanking the FFA, Patronis commented that it “has created thousands of jobs across the state and protected Florida’s forestry,” so “when most people think of Florida, they think of beaches and palm trees, but our forests are the hidden gem.”
Patronis served in the Florida House from 2006 to 2014 when then-Governor Rick Scott (R) appointed him as CFO.
