Sen. Don Gaetz to be Formally Crowned Next State Senate President

Sen. Don Gaetz, unofficially tapped to be the next Florida Senate president after Mike Haridopolos' term expires in 2012, will get the official title of Senate president-designate during a ceremony scheduled for Sept. 19 at the Capitol.

Gaetz is one of the most powerful Republican leaders in the Senate, and chairs the Redistricting Committee.

Senator Gaetz is supported by an overwhelming majority of his colleagues in the Republican caucus. By his accomplishments and his service to others, he has gained the confidence and respect of the Senate and is more than ready for the responsibilities of leading our chamber and our state," Haridopolos said.

Gaetz was elected to the Senate in 2006, and was re-elected in 2010. He serves District 4, which includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties, and previously served as superintendent of schools for Okaloosa County.

I am deeply grateful to my fellow senators for the honor of a lifetime and to President Haridopolos for his example of unswerving conservative leadership. Being Republican Senate President-designate is a privilege which I realize must be earned and re-earned every day," Gaetz said.