Former Florida Governor Bob Martinez With Hillsborough County GOP Carmen Edmonds (TFP File) HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - Robert "Bob" Martinez, the
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Robert “Bob” Martinez, the 40th Governor of Florida and the first Hispanic governor in the state’s history, served from 1987 to 1991, leaving an indelible mark on Florida’s political landscape and environmental policies.
The Hillsborough County Republican Party honored the former governor at its annual Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday. Former Florida Senate President Tom Lee welcomed Martinez to the stage and championed his lifetime accomplishments.
Hillsborough County GOP Chairwoman Carmen Edmonda presented Gov. Martinez with the prestigious award.
“It truly was an honor receiving the Hillsborough County Republican Party Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Lincoln Day dinner. It’s already on one of our home’s shelves for family and friends to see,” said Martinez Sunday. “The Republican Party in Hillsborough County has gotten strong and can field a large contingent of qualified candidates for local, state, and federal office. The growth of the party from my days in public office is phenomenal. It really was nice being among today’s warriors to defend families, traditions, and limited government.”
Guests at the event raved about the success of the annual fundraiser and praised Gov. Martinez, the evening’s honoree.
“The 2024 HCREC Lincoln Day Dinner was such an inspiring event. A great lineup of staunch Republican guest speakers, but it was especially gratifying to have trailblazers like former Governor Bob Martinez recognized and honored for his efforts,” said Kim Droege, host of Connecting With Kim on TBAE. “I personally appreciated former Senator and Senate President Tom Lee while introducing Bob Martinez, recognizing and honoring my mom, Dee Williams, who, with many others, worked hard in the 90s and beyond to turn Florida into the Republican stronghold it is today. Dedication among the grassroots is what makes it all possible, as echoed by Senator Blaise Ingoglia in his remarks.”
Born and raised in Tampa, Martinez attended the University of Tampa, graduating in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He continued his studies at the University of Illinois, where he received a master’s degree in employee and industrial relations in 1964.
Within a few years, Martinez became mayor of Tampa, a post he held from 1979 until his run for governor in 1986, during which he revitalized the city’s downtown area and championed economic development initiatives.
In 1983, during his tenure as Tampa mayor, Martinez switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.
His success as mayor paved the way for his gubernatorial bid, which he won in 1986, becoming the second Republican governor of Florida since Reconstruction.
“Governor Martinez’s long, distinguished public service career began when I was in law school. I returned to Tampa, where he had already become mayor, to watch the significant changes he brought to our city in new construction, upgrades to our water and sewer systems, and the annexation of New Tampa,” said Tampa Attorney Betsey Hapner at the event Saturday. “Tampa then proudly watched him go on to serve as our governor, implementing many environmental protections. Gov. Martinez can largely be credited for the growth of the Republican Party in Hillsborough County. He has continued to serve as a community leader and is a Tampa icon.”
As governor, Martinez prioritized environmental protection, launching the ambitious Preservation 2000 program, the largest environmental land acquisition program in American history.
This initiative led to the preservation of millions of acres of sensitive lands, ensuring their protection for future generations.
Martinez also championed the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act, safeguarding Florida’s vital water resources.
In addition to his environmental focus, Martinez implemented policies to improve education and combat drug trafficking.
After his term in office, Governor Martinez was appointed by President George H. W. Bush to direct the National Campaign Against Drug Use.
To this day, Martinez still serves the public in various capacities, including as a senior policy advisor and co-chair of the Florida Government Advocacy Team at Holland & Knight Law Firm.
He also remains active in the Tampa community, supporting numerous philanthropic endeavors.
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