James CallToday’s chapter of the “4th Floor Files” talks with lobbyist Taylor Patrick Biehl, a fan of both Bruce Springsteen and Abraham Lincoln. Last year, Biehl and Dr. Jeffry Sharkey created the Medical Marijuana Business Association of Florida.
Biehl has been director of governmental affairs for the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, as an associate with Uhlfelder & Associates P.A., and on the staff of the Senate Community Affairs Committee.
Biehl credits a former history professor with his interest in Florida policy making — former Senate President Mike Haridopolos, whom he once worked for as a special assistant.
Biehl’s roster of clients includes the PGA Tour, Margaritaville Holdings, and Elon Musk’s outfits Tesla Motors and Space X.
Here’s the file on Taylor Patrick Biehl:
Describe what you do.
Analyzing critical policy issues, assessing economic and political trends at the national, state and local levels, and evaluating and recommending political and legislative strategies for resolving the challenges facing businesses and local governments.
Hometown and college, if any.
I like to say I am steel-town and Springsteen roots. My parents are from Cleveland. My brother, Jordan, and I were born in Rhode Island, where some of our family still resides. We later called Melbourne our home.
I attended Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, Fla., hometown to pro surfers Damien and C.J. Hobgood. Subsequently, I attended the University of Florida, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Personal motto.
LOYALTY. My father was an O331 Machine Gunner in the Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam and the recipient of two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He instilled loyalty and its importance above everything else. As a child, on our way up North, we, as a family, would stop in Parris Island, watch the young Marines train and Dad explained that the Marine Corps shaped his life with discipline, loyalty and pride, and that we all have character defects as well as special attributes.
Three favorite charities.
Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, Second Harvest of the Big Bend.
Last day of session tradition …
Reflection, rest, and relaxation.
You are looking forward to what in 2015 session?
The Florida Legislature’s leadership is second to none. I have the utmost confidence in our governor, Senate president, speaker, and Leaders Galvano and Young. They tirelessly work for the betterment of all Floridians.
Do you wear Gucci loafers?
Ferragamo only
Favorite capitol press corps reporter and why?
Marc Caputo, because he’s very thorough and knowledgeable of the issues he writes about.
Other than SaintPetersBlog, your reading list includes …
The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time magazine
Your most common use swear word?
I try to refrain from swearing as much as possible.
Your most treasured possession …
My iPhone, as this business is so digitally interconnected.
Best hotel in Florida is …
Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island.
You are the host of a morning talk show about Florida politics. Who are the first four guests you invite to appear …
Round table with Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, 41 and 44 discussing domestic and foreign policy and lessons learned during their presidencies.
Favorite movie …
Good Will Hunting
When you pig out, what do you eat?
I love Thai and Italian fare.
If you have dinner with a historical figure no longer living, who would it be?
Abe Lincoln, a shrewd military and political strategist and ardent opponent of slavery.
