From: Extensive Media Enterprises
Sunburn is authored and assembled by: Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean,
Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
Good Monday morning. Rep. Toby Overdorf is throwing his hat in the ring for Senate District 31, aiming to succeed Sen. Gayle Harrell, who is term-limited in 2028. The Palm City Republican is announcing his candidacy Monday, emphasizing his roots in the Treasure Coast and track record in the House, where he's represented parts of Martin and St. Lucie counties since 2018.  Toby Overdorf, a Republican from Palm City, is running for Florida Senate District 31. "Senator Harrell has been a steady voice for our community, our environment and our way of life," said Overdorf, who is currently the only declared candidate for the seat. "I'm grateful for her leadership and look forward to building on the foundation she's established for the Treasure Coast." Overdorf, an environmental consultant and longtime business owner, has led efforts in the House to combat human trafficking, streamline government bureaucracy and advance environmental initiatives. He's also prioritized water quality, workforce education and property insurance reform. Earlier this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a regulatory reform package championed by Overdorf that targeted outdated statutes and red tape. "I've seen firsthand how conservative, commonsense leadership makes a difference for families and small businesses," Overdorf said. "In the Senate, I'll continue fighting for the Treasure Coast — putting Florida First, America First, and always standing up for our values." The move to SD 31 marks a logical next step for Overdorf, whose House tenure ends in 2026 due to term limits. Republican Anthony Louis Bonna is currently the only candidate filed for the open race in HD 85, which covers much of the same territory as the Senate seat. ___ South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) alumna Julia Lomonico is joining Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. as Of Counsel in the law firm's St. Petersburg office. Lomonico has substantial experience in environmental and administrative law, particularly in water policy, permitting and litigation.  SFWMD alumna Julia Lomonico joins Lewis, Longman & Walker as Of Counsel in St. Petersburg. At the SFWMD, Lomonico worked as interim General Counsel and as Special Counsel to the General Counsel. There, she focused on administrative law with an emphasis on environmental resource and water use permitting, according to a release announcing Lomonico's addition to the firm. She also advised on state and federal water quality standards. Lomonico worked up to those positions after serving as Managing Attorney for the SFWMD. At that time, she was in charge of a team dealing with issues such as permitting, restoration, federal compliance, procurement and tribal relations. Before joining the SFWMD, Lomonico was Assistant General Counsel in the Litigation Defense Section at the Department of Environmental Protection. She also spent time as an Economic Regulations lawyer with the Florida Public Service Commission. |