By Peter Schorsch | August 21, 2014
Redistricting, elections and the American Dream were only a few of the concerns of Floridians addressed by Steve Crisafulli at a meeting of the James Madison Institute in Pensacola on Wednesday.Crisafulli, the Florida House Speaker-Designate, spoke to the audience of more than 100 community members, businesses owners and elected officials gathered for a luncheon hosted by JMI, the Florida-based research and educational organization devoted to limited government, financial freedom and individual liberty.Joining Crisafulli onstage were state Rep.Mike Hill and JMI president and CEO Dr. Bob McClure, who provided opening remarks.Each speaker shared personal stories on why they chose public service, with a focus on opportunities and obstacles to increase Florida’s economic prosperity.“Truly, Florida demographically represents the entire country and everyone is watching what Florida does,” McClure said. “It’s not an accident that Florida has become a land of the free.”Hill instructed the audience on the importance of “upholding American values,” citing the military oath he took to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution. He also called for “shining a light to pierce the darkness of deception” from Washington.“Florida is going to be that state,” Hill said. “We’re not taking our country back, but taking our country forward.”Crisafulli, an eighth-generation Floridian and fourth-generation Brevard County resident, spoke of his background and commitment to do what is right for Florida.“I learned my work ethic from working in agriculture, specifically from talks with my dad in the front seat of his truck,” he told the crowd. “I firmly believe the American Dream is still alive and that the best days of our country are yet to come because of states like Florida that understand how opportunity is created.“It’s really the Florida Dream,” he added. “Everything we’ve put in place has helped Floridians pursue their passions and be successful. But, it doesn’t happen on its own.”
