Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced six local appointments and reappointments Friday, placing new members on county commissions, school boards, and a state regulatory panel.
Attorney Richard Barbara was reappointed to the Florida Real Estate Commission, a position that requires confirmation by the Florida Senate. Barbara works at Richard L. Barbara, P.A., previously chaired the Florida Bar Grievance Committee, and sits on the Baptist Health South Florida Foundation Executive Committee.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida International University and a law degree from Stetson University.
In Liberty County, retired sheriff Walter “Buddy” Money was appointed to the Board of County Commissioners. Money spent more than 30 years in law enforcement and formerly served on the North Star Task Force, a regional anti-methamphetamine initiative in the Big Bend area.
For the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, DeSantis selected Michael Crabb. Crabb is a lieutenant with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and owns The Shirt Shop USA. He attended Barry University, serves as vice president and board member for the Florida Safety Council, and belongs to the Florida Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
John Mitten was named to the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. Mitten owns the Chick-fil-A franchise in Brooksville and previously chaired the Hernando commission. He sits on the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees and the Southwest Florida Water Management District board, and holds a finance degree from Florida State University.
In school board actions, Navy veteran Tony Smith was appointed to the School Board of Charlotte County. Smith is a partner and vice president at Ashley, Brown & Smith, CPA’s, P.A.
He serves as treasurer for the Florida International Air Show, sits on the AdventHealth Southwest Florida Foundation Board of Directors, and belongs to the Independent Referendum Oversight and Budget Advisory Committee. Smith holds accounting degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Finally, Lisa Pridgeon was appointed to the School Board of Gulf County. Pridgeon is president and managing member of FLV, Inc., president of the Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Guild, and a battalion chief with the Gulf Beaches Volunteer Fire Department. She earned her business and marketing degree from Florida State University.
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