TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced its endorsement of conservative Representative Tom Leek (Republican- Ormond Beach) for Florida Senate District 7.
“On behalf of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Florida’s premier hospitality and tourism industry, I am proud to endorse Representative Tom Leek for Florida’s open seat in Senate District 7,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “Representative Leek is a proven leader who recognizes that thriving businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy, driving job creation, supporting families, and fueling growth. His steadfast commitment to safeguarding businesses through effective tort reform and his proactive role in advancing policies that have bolstered our state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore his dedication. Tom has consistently championed Florida’s hospitality sector and has earned our full support. He is unquestionably the best choice for Senate District 7.”
The full endorsement letter can be found here.
About State Representative Tom Leek: Tom Leek was first elected to serve State House District 25 in 2016, and after redistricting re-elected in State House District 28 in 2022. A graduate of the University of Central Florida and Stetson University College of Law, Leek resides in Ormond Beach with his wife Michelle. They are the parents of two daughters.
Tom Leek, recognized quickly in the House as a conservative leader, has the distinction of having served as a committee chairman and on the leadership team of the last three Speakers in the Florida House during his tenure. He currently works with Speaker Paul Renner as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and has previously chaired the Public Ethics and Integrity Committee, the Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee and the Redistricting Committee.
Leek’s accomplishments in the Florida House include landmark legislation in establishing Florida as the most law enforcement-friendly state in the union by strengthening their ability to recruit, retain and reward our police officers. He passed important legislation relating to emergency management and in banning “vaccine passports.” As a trusted member of House leadership, he has worked on many of the conservative advances of the past few years in school choice, economic development and important social issues that strengthen the family.
Tom Leek is the Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Foundation Risk Partners, Corp., a national insurance brokerage. He joined the company in 2018, after a 21-year career at the law firm of Cobb Cole in Daytona Beach, where he led the firm as managing partner.
About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.6 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.
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