DeSantis surprise speaker for Chamber

St Johns County Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Manager, Carol Saviak, invited Historic City News editor Michael Gold to attend this morning’s meeting of the South Beaches Area Council where Congressman Ron DeSantis made a surprise visit.

DeSantis, who represents the Sixth Congressional District, and his local District Representative, Roy Alaimo, were guests of Chamber President, Kirk Wendland; they shared the spotlight this morning with Richard Goldman, Executive Director of the St Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau.

“I am always thankful for the opportunity to speak to the small business community; who I feel are an essential component of any long-term recovery of the nation’s economy,” DeSantis told Historic City News before this morning’s appearance. “I want constituents in St Johns County to know that we have a local office and that Roy and I are listening to their concerns.”

DeSantis addressed some 300 supporters from the community in Palm Coast on Tuesday evening; he explained to Chamber members attending today that when he’s not in Washington, he’s still working on the people’s business while he’s home, “I’m not just out working on my tan.” DeSantis and his wife, Casey, are St Johns County residents.

The meeting was held at Elks Lodge #829 and was attended by about 30 members and guests. The South Beaches Area Council is comprised of nearly 200 chamber members with a professional or general interest in the South Beaches area. “The council is characterized by their dedication to community efforts and advocacy for local business issues,” Council President Verna Brown explained.

Photo credits: © 2013 Historic City News staff photographer