Ryan Nicol
Jimmy Patronis, the Republican seeking to stay as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, is set to release his first ad of the general election campaign touting his work on a bill supporting first responders.
The bill, which expanded workers’ compensation benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, was passed earlier this year.
Patronis advocated for the bill’s passage in response to reports of suicides among the state’s first responder community.
The new 30-second spot, titled “First Responders,” depicts Patronis speaking about his efforts, along with those impacted by the bill praising Patronis for his work.
“Our first responders and their families are why we fought this legislative session for this greater access to mental health benefits for our first responder community,” Patronis says in the beginning of the ad.
“Jimmy has the biggest heart and he believes in our heroes” says Megan Vila, whose brother, Stephen LaDue, committed suicide after suffering from PTSD.
“Jimmy Patronis definitely understands us first responders,” adds Tampa Fire rescue Captain Ricardo Vila.
“This legislation that Jimmy Patronis has fought for is going to help save lives,” says Code 9 Project co-founder Deborah Ortiz, whose groups advocates for PTSD awareness.
The ad then closes with Gov. Rick Scott, who appointed Patronis to the CFO role, praising his ability to solve problems.
Patronis last year replaced Jeff Atwater, who left elected office in his second term to become a vice president and chief financial officer at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
“Jimmy Patronis is the individual that we all admire … you tell him a problem, he’s going to be there,” Scott said.
The Patronis campaign says the buy will focus around college football broadcasts this weekend, when the ad begins airing.
