The Flagler Tiger Bay Club has announced that its monthly luncheon will be bringing in a heavyweight guest for its June event: outgoing Florida Speaker of the House Paul Renner. In addition to representing Palm Coast in the state legislature, Renner has become one of the most influential Republicans in Tallahassee, acting as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ informal deputy, and occasional check, in the larger of the two legislative bodies.
The luncheon is being held on Wednesday, June 19th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. As usual it will take place at the Hammock Dunes Club (30 Ave Royale, Palm Coast, FL 32137). The event costs $35 to attend for members of the Tiger Bay Club, or $40 to attend for non-member guests. Meal choices at the event will include chicken florentine with spinach cream, grilled mahi mahi with pineapple salsa, and chef’s choice hot vegetarian. The club is advising that seats are expected to fill up quickly, and so those hoping to attend are advised to reserve their seats soon. Registration is available on the club’s website.
Renner’s topic of discussion, according to a press release from the Tiger Bay Club, is ‘An Overview of the 2024 Legislative Session and an Outlook for the Balance of the Year’. The aforementioned ’24 session is Renner’s last in office with the Florida House of Representatives, as he’s being prevented from running for re-election by Florida’s term limit laws. Among the most momentous acts of Renner’s this year was to oppose DeSantis by supporting a bill to limit the usage of social media by minors. The initiative wound up passing, with compromises from both men.
Renner was first elected to the state House in 2016, after a 2014 campaign where he lost by a mere two votes. He’s won re-election every two years since then, besting Democrat Adam Morley in each race’s general election. Prior to elected office, Renner served in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer. He graduated from Davidson College with a bachelor’s degree in history, and from the University of Florida with a Doctor of Law degree.