Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto

Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has announced that Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Ft. Myers, District 27, has been named deputy majority leader in the Florida Senate.

In her sprawling district, she also represents most of Lehigh Acres. It’s the same district that was filled by former Sen. Dave Aronberg, a Democrat. Benacquisto will work to advance Republican Caucus priorities under the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, along with majority whips, Senators Anitere Flores, R-Miami, and David Simmons, R-Maitland.

“In her inaugural session, Benacquisto’s energy was unmistakable,” said Haridopolos. “She treats her constituents with respect and is devoted to serving Floridians. Senator Benacquisto embraces her role as state senator wholeheartedly, and I know her colleagues in the senate majority will benefit from her characteristic focus and drive.”

Elected to the Florida Senate in 2010, Benacquisto championed and passed bills such as School Choice (SB 1331), Silver Alert (SB 664), the Andrew Widman Act (SB 844) and Qualified Target Industries (Senate Bill 1318). A mother of three children, she previously served as councilwoman for the Village of Wellington, Fla., 2002-2010.

“We are heading into another exciting year for Florida Republicans,” Gardiner said. “We have the opportunity to be exceptionally effective by working together, and as conservatives, we also have the responsibility to use that power to make sound, deliberate decisions our kids can be proud of. I know Senator Benacquisto will serve her colleagues well in this role, and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity to advance Republican Caucus priorities.”