Pam Bondi makes special appearance

Historic City News editor Michael Gold was on hand this morning when Attorney General candidate Pam Bondi visited with a group of local guests for about an hour at the St. Augustine Yacht Club before an appearance at the Tea Party Network’s “Forward with the Constitution” rally.

Bondi flew in to the Northeast Florida Regional Airport at St. Augustine this morning; just fifteen minutes away from her two speaking engagements.

While at the Yacht Club, host Bruce Maguire introduced Bondi to new and old friends including St. Johns County Tax Collector Dennis Hollingsworth, State Attorney R. J. Larizza, County Commission Chairman Ron Sanchez, members and officers of the Young Republicans of St. Johns County, Republican Club of Greater St. Augustine and others.

Hollingsworth asked questions about Florida’s new drivers license identification procedure; citing some of the problems and delays for citizens and his office staff in order to comply with both state and federal requirements.

Bondi shared opinions on “Obamacare”, the state’s participation in Medicare and her role in combating fraud in entitlement programs. She spoke about how her role has prepared her for this office and remarked that she was particularly proud of the fact that sitting Attorney General Bill McCollum, her unsuccessful opponent in the Republican Primary August 24th, has endorsed her and is working to help her get elected in the General Election November 2nd.

Bondi is a graduate of the University of Florida and Stetson Law School. She served as a front-line prosecutor for the past 18 years.

As an Assistant State Attorney, she served five State Attorneys in the 13th Judicial Circuit, a department of more than 100 attorneys.

Bondi’s investigative and courtroom experience came into play with nationally celebrated cases, including putting Adam Davis on death row for the murder of Vicky Robinson and convicting Melvin Givens of first degree murder for the stabbing death of NBC-News Producer Danielle Cipriani.

She regularly traveled to Tallahassee to oppose the parole of convicted murderers and rapists.

Bondi served as Felony Bureau Chief and a key member of internal homicide, vehicular homicide, and DUI manslaughter committees. She also sat on the Executive Committee responsible for budget, personnel and legal strategies. She has served as the Vice Chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee, and in Tampa Bay United Way, the Children’s Board, Junior League, and on the Board of Directors of the University of Florida Gator Club.

A native of Tampa, Bondi is a fourth generation Floridian, and hails from a family dedicated to service, including three generations of educators.

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer