Florida Times-Union (March 1, 2008 article on TOM MANUEL's Tribute to Ronald Reagan)

(snip)
From "The Rooney Bin"

A funny thing happened on the way to the St. Johns County Republican Club Lincoln-Reagan dinner at the TPC clubhouse on President's Day. Guest of honor Marco Rubio, speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, was flying to the affair from Miami, when his plane caught fire and made an emergency landing in Palm Beach County. He rented a car and arrived at Ponte Vedra in time to speak. Now that's dedication! Marco, the first Hispanic - he's of Cuban descent - and second-youngest person in state history to preside over the Legislature, is an engaging speaker.

"I'm really glad to be here; I mean really glad," Marco said, referring to his harrowing flight. About 175 Republicans in the audience enjoyed Marco's talk, which combined humor with more serious observations, such as "Florida is one hurricane away from the largest tax increase in the state's history; a full-scale affordability crisis has led to a state of anxiety in the state." (No kidding! Even the birds are nervous.)

The Republican Club of Ponte Vedra Beach hosted the traditional county-wide do that began with hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and music by Randy Scott and the Cabana Beach Band, plus a chance to peruse a silent auction. Ponte Vedra Beach Republican Club President Robert Champion emceed the affair, and county Executive Committee Chairman Bob Veit made introductory remarks. Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson gave a tribute to Abraham Lincoln and Commission Chairman Tom Manuel presented a tribute to Ronald Reagan.

{Ed's NOTE: Like dozens of corporativist Ronald Wilson Reagan supporters, Republican County Commission Chairman THOMAS G. MANUEL was later indicted for bribery)

Marco's older brother Mario, a candidate for state Rep. Stan Jordan's District 17 seat, was there with close friends Ricardo and Marcia Morales of Jacksonville. Political VIPs included State Attorney John Tanner; Public Defender James Purdy; State Committee Chairwoman Elvira Hasty; St. Augustine Republican Club President Robert Smith; County Commissioners Ben Rich and Jim Bryant; Clerk of Courts Cheryl Strickland; Property Appraiser Sharon Outland; Tax Collector Dennis Hollingsworth, Randy Brunson of the Airport Authority and state Rep. Dick Kravitz of District 19.