Denise Grimsley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denise Grimsley
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| Member of the Florida Senate | |
| In office November 6, 2012 – November 6, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Michael S. Bennett |
| Succeeded by | Ben Albritton |
| Constituency | 21st district (2012–2016) 26th district (2016–present) |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 77th district |
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| In office November 2, 2004 – November 6, 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Joe Spratt |
| Succeeded by | Dane Eagle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 21, 1959 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Polk Community College (AS) Warner Southern College (BA) University of Miami (MBA) |
| Profession | Nurse, citrus grower |
Denise Grimsley, born on September 21, 1959, is a politician from the Republican Party. She served as a member of the Florida State Senate, which is part of Florida's government, from 2012 to 2018. She represented areas in Central and Southwest Florida. Before joining the Senate, she was a member of the Florida House of Representatives for four terms, from 2004 to 2012.
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Denise Grimsley's Early Life and Education
Denise Grimsley was born in Lakeland, Florida. She went to Polk Community College and earned a degree in nursing. Later, she studied at Warner Southern College, where she focused on how organizations are managed. She also earned a master's degree in business from the University of Miami.
After her father became ill, Denise took over their family business. She also became the leader of a group called the Florida Petroleum Markets and Convenience Stores Association. This group helps businesses that sell gas and have convenience stores.
Serving in the Florida House of Representatives
In 2004, the person who held the State Representative job in her area, Joe Spratt, could not run again because of "term limits." Term limits mean a politician can only serve for a certain number of years. Denise Grimsley decided to run for this open seat in the 77th District. This district included parts of Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Highlands Counties.
She first had to win the Republican primary election against another candidate, Gary Gossett. The Naples Daily News newspaper supported her, saying she was prepared for the job. Denise won the primary election with 70% of the votes. She said she was very humbled by such a big win.
After the primary, she ran against Pauline New Born from the Democratic Party in the general election. Denise won her first term easily, getting 67% of the votes.
She ran for re-election in 2006 and won again, defeating Zane Thomas with 60% of the votes. In 2008, she faced Elton Gissendanner and won with 67% of the votes. In 2010, she was re-elected without anyone running against her.
Moving to the Florida Senate
Because of term limits, Denise Grimsley could not run for the Florida House of Representatives again in 2012. So, she decided to run for the Florida Senate instead, in the 21st District. She won the Republican primary election without any opponents.
In the general election, she ran against Stacy Anderson McCland, a lawyer from the Democratic Party. Denise Grimsley won the election with 57% of the votes.
In 2016, the districts for the Florida Senate were changed by a court order. Her district was updated and became the 26th district. This new district covers Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, DeSoto, Hardee, southern Polk, eastern Charlotte, and northern Lee Counties.
After the Senate
After serving in the Senate, Denise Grimsley ran for the position of Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2018. However, she did not win the nomination from the Republican Party.
Other Activities
Denise Grimsley is one of the people who helped start an organization called Maggie's List.
