Leadership Roles
Speaker pro tempore (2002-2004)
Biographical Information
City of Residence: Punta Gorda
Occupation: Real Estate Broker
Spouse: Deborah Lynn Harrington
Child(ren): Loren Myles and Lisa Nicolle Harrington; Brian and Christopher Stuut
Education: Virginia Commonwealth University, B.S., Business Administration, 1973; Pepperdine University, M.A., Human Resource Management, 1976
Born: November 12, 1944, Charlottesville, VA
Military: U.S. Air Force, Master Sergeant, active and reserve (12 years)
Moved to Florida: 1979
Religious Affiliation: Methodist
Recreational Interest: hunting, fishing, camping, economics, politics
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 1996, reelected subsequently
Other Public Services
Punta Gorda Mayor 1995-1996, Vice Mayor 1991-1994, City Council 1988-1996
Affiliations
Republican Party of Charlotte County, Chair 1988-1994
Charlotte County 4-H, President 1994-1996
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council 1995-1996
Charlotte County Economic Development Council
Highlights
National Marine Manufacturer's Association "Legislative Appreciation Award" 2002
Florida Chamber of Commerce's Annual Report Card "A" Rating 2002
Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida Inc. "Friend of Free Enterprise" 2002
Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Florida Outstanding House Member 2001, 2002
Florida Marine Industries Association "Friend of the Industry"
Standing Watch (a statewide boating coalition) first "Keeper of the Watch" Award
Florida Chamber of Commerce Top 40 Legislators of the Year Award 2000, 2001
Florida School Board Association Top Legislator of the Year 2000
American Heart Association Legislator of the Year 2000
State of Florida Correctional Law Enforcement Officers Legislator of the Year 2000
National Federation of Independent Business "Guardian of Small Business" Award 1998
Christian Coalition of Florida 100 percent Voting Record
Named by Associated Industries of Florida as one of 23 legislators with 100 percent Voting Record for issues affecting industry in Florida
As Councilman and Mayor of Punta Gorda, was instrumental in the city being named the "Best Small City in the South" and the "Second Best Place to Live in the Country"