Gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner became House Speaker while representing people in Flagler County. Now, he’s emphasizing those local connections with his newly launched Flagler County Leadership Committee.

The coalition of elected officials, faith leaders and members of the business community will help with grassroots outreach as Renner pursues the Republican nomination.

“Flagler County is my home. It is a growing and vibrant community, and I’m incredibly grateful and honored for the leadership, trust, and support of these men and women,” Renner said “This committee represents the best of Flagler County.”

Renner added that these locals “are hardworking Floridians who understand the values that make our state strong — faith, freedom, economic opportunity, and safe communities.”

The committee launches with these members:

— James Gardner Jr., Flagler County Property Appraiser

— Greg Hansen, Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, District 2

— Christy Chong, Flagler County School Board Chair

— Donald O’Brien, former Chair of Flagler County Board of County Commissioners

— David Ayres, civic leader and radio personality

— Michael Chiumento, lawyer and Flagler County business leader

— Sharon Demers, Republican grassroots leader

— Ed Fuller, civic leader and Flagler Tiger Bay Board member

— Patrick Juliano, first responder union leader

— Samuel Royer, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and community advocate

— Lacy Martin, marketing strategist and community advocate

— Greg Peters, co-founder and lead pastor at Parkview Church

— Denise Peters, co-founder of Parkview Church

— Randy Stapleford, retired U.S. Navy Captain and civic leader

Officials are scheduled Friday to officially recognize Senator Geraldine F. Thompson Way — a renamed portion of South Street in downtown Orlando honoring the late Senator who died this year.

Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer are expected to attend the 10:30 a.m. ceremony to unveil the new road sign.

Bracy Davis, who won a Special Election to finish the remainder of Thompson’s term, said on social media that the event is paying tribute to Thompson to “honor her decades of leadership, her dedication to preserving African American history, and her unwavering service to the people of Florida.”

Thompson died at age 76 in February from knee replacement surgery complications.

Thompson was the Director of the Wells’Built Museum of American-American History in Orlando’s Parramore district. Fittingly, Senator Geraldine F. Thompson Way will be renamed on West South Street between South Division Avenue and U.S. 441, which passes by the museum.

“Sen. Geraldine Thompson was a force — a trailblazer, a historian, a fierce advocate, and a devoted mother and grandmother who worked every day to uplift all Floridians, ensuring that no one was left behind,” U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost said in a statement at the time of her death.

Other lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, put out statements of support and tributes after her death.

Thompson, a Democrat, had represented Orlando in the Legislature for two decades. At one point, the Orlando Sentinel described her as the “epicenter of Black history in Orlando.”

She took people on bus tours of the city’s Black history, wrote a book on Orlando’s African American community, hosted Juneteenth events and helped launch Orlando’s early celebrations to honor Martin Luther King Jr. 

Last month, officials gathered to open Harris Rosen Way, the honorary roadway on International Drive between State Road 528 and Sand Lake Road.

Rosen, the CEO of the largest independent hotel chain in Florida, died at age 85 in 2024.