Biographical Information
City of Residence: Melbourne
Occupation: Legislator; Retired State Law Enforcement Officer (Florida Marine Patrol); Co-owner Needelman Needelman Associates
Spouse: Joan "Joannie" McDonald Needelman of New York
Child(ren): Michael "Mike," Jennifer (daughter-in-law)
Grandchild(ren): Joshua
Education: Miami Dade Junior College, A.A., Criminology, 1972; Warner Southern College, B.A., Organizational Management, 1994; Webster University, dual M.A. with honors, Public Administration/Human Resources Development, 1996
Born: October 23, 1952, Miami, FL
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Recreational Interest: boating, fishing, gardening, weightlifting
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 2000, reelected subsequently
Other Public Services
City of Melbourne Zoning Board of Adjustments 1988-2000, Chairman 1996-1997
Affiliations
4theKids of Brevard, Charter Member
American Cancer Society, Brevard Chapter, Public Issues Committee
American Red Cross, Brevard Chapter, Board of Directors
Marine Resource Council
Melbourne/Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Brevard County's Manatee ad hoc Committee, past Member
City of Melbourne Riverside Park ad hoc Committee, past Member
Cocoa/Rockledge Civic League, Graduate Scholarship Committee, past Member
Continuing Adult Education Board, St. Joseph Parish, past Member
City of Melbourne's Comprehensive Planning Committee, past Member
Florida Police Benevolent Association SLEO Chapter, past Member, past Executive Board, past Secretary
1,000 Friends of Florida, past Member
North Eau Gallie Civic Association, past President
Select Committee on Juvenile Detention Facilities
National Committee of State Legislators Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources
Brevard County Republican Executive Committee, Vice Chairman 1996-2000
Highlights
Associated Builders and Contractors, Friend of Free Enterprise 2001-2006
Florida Chamber of Commerce, A+ Rating Recognition 2001-2006
National Rifle Association, A+, A Rating Recognition 2001-2006
Florida League of Cities, Legislative Appreciation Award 2005
Marine Industries Association of Florida, Legislator of the Year 2005
The Everglades Trust, Legislative Appreciation Award 2005
Florida Association of Counties, Legislator of the Year 2003-2004
Council of Community Colleges Presidents, Certificate of Recognition 2002
Solid Waste Management Association, Legislator of the Year Award 2002
Florida Chamber of Commerce, "Top 20" Freshman Quick Starter 2001
Florida Police Benevolent Association, Distinguished Legislator Award 2001
Marine Industry Association of Brevard, Legislative Award Outstanding Service 2001
Trust of Public Lands, Legislative Leadership Award 2001
City of Melbourne, Outstanding Public Service 2000
Crosswinds Youth Services, Volunteer of the Year 1999
Sierra Club FL Chapter, Osprey Award 1998
City of Melbourne, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year 1997
United States Power Squadron, Certificate of Appreciation 1997
Palm Bay Fire Department, Certificate of Appreciation 1996
Florida Marine Patrol Commendation 1994
Brevard County, Resolution of Appreciation 1990
City of Melbourne, Outstanding Service 1990
City of Palm Bay, Outstanding Service 1990
Lively Criminal Justice, Best Overall Instructor 1990
Brevard County School Board Appreciation 1989
Save the Manatee Club, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year 1989
City of Palm Bay Police Department Appreciation 1988
Eastern Space and Missile Center NASA, Appreciation 1987
Governor's Office 1983
U.S. Coast Guard 1978
Key West Race Committee 1974
Department of Defense-Navy, Appreciation 1973
Department of Treasury, Secret Service, Appreciation 1972
Florida Marine Patrol, 28 1/2 years
State Law Enforcement Officer, Outreach Coordinator, media and public relations, education and funding resources