• CFO Jimmy Patronis is endorsing Republican Carolina Amesty in a tightly-contested GOP Primary in HD 45
• Patronis, who doubles as State Fire Marshal, has served in his role since 2017
• The major endorsement comes days after Amesty picked up an endorsement from former State Education Commissioner and Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran. 

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has endorsed Republican Carolina Amesty in her bid for House District 45.

In a Friday news release, Amesty, of Windermere, announced that the Patronis was stamping his seal of approval on her campaign. Patronis, who doubles as State Fire Marshal, has served as CFO since 2017, being appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott. In 2018, he won his re-election campaign.

The Panhandle Republican also served in the Florida House from 2006 to 2014, and is a partner in Capt. Anderson’s, a historic seafood restaurant in Panama City Beach.

Patronis cited Amesty’s business experience and passionate commitment to American free enterprise as reasons for his endorsement.

“This is a great honor to have CFO Patronis’ endorsement,” said Amesty. “Some of my opponents have been lobbing false attacks on my support for President Trump and Governor DeSantis. I am the only candidate to receive endorsements from known conservative leaders like Patronis, Rep. Joe Harding, Rep. Stan McClain, and Sen. Danny Burgess. I am honored that they have lent their support, and it is indication of just how ridiculous my opponents’ attacks are.”

Amesty earned degrees in undergraduate studies in political science and graduate studies in international relations. She is currently the vice president at Central Christian University and serves as a board member for Chaplains of Florida, American Chaplains, and Central Christian Academy. She is also a local business owner.

Since launching her bid for HD 45, Amesty has picked up endorsements from several lawmakers and local leaders. Those backing her campaign include former State Education Commissioner and Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran, State Senator Danny Burgess, State Representatives Joe Harding and Stan McClain, soccer star Aurélien Collin, Flagler County Chair Joe Mullins, Bertica Cabrera Morris, and a host of other local leaders.

Amesty is one of five well-funded GOP candidates squaring off in what appears to be the most competitive House district this cycle. Other Republicans eyeing the seat include former congressional candidates, Vennia Francois and Mike Zhao, businessman Bruno Portigliatti, and retired law enforcement officer Janet Frevola. The only Democrat that has filed to run is diversity consultant Allie Lee Braswell.

HD 45, one of the most diverse in the state, encompasses southwestern Orange County, including Walt Disney World, Windermere, and Winter Garden.