Latest news with #Thrasher
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Welcome to our 2025 Delaware Summer Guide
And just like that, summer is nearly here. Visit us on Delaware Online for more stories every week about the beaches, as well as fairs and festivals, concerts and family fun, downtowns and museums and so much more. We will offer all the details you need for active recreation including camping, golfing, surf fishing, cycling, hiking and pickleball, water sports, boat rides and even Skee-ball. Visit us often for photo galleries from the Riverfront to the beaches, and everywhere in between, as well as updates on summer concerts, arts events, family fun and all the things that will make summer in Small Wonder all it can be. Memorial Day weekend is in the books, and the month of June is starting at the Delaware beaches. Insert sunglasses emoji here. While it was slightly easier than usual to find parking last weekend, there were some sure signs of tourism: Traffic stalled in Dewey Beach, long lines for Thrasher's fries and teens carrying out loud, awkward mating rituals on the boardwalk at night. (Overheard: "Hey, my friend likes you!") Some rebels in Delaware and Maryland will celebrate the Fourth of July in June, while others will keep the patriotic party going past the holiday. Of course, plenty of folks will observe America's 249th birthday right on July 4. Delaware isn't messing around when it comes to summer concerts this year, and some of them are already on pace to sell out. Here are 33 major concerts, including legendary artists across various genres, that will grace the First State this summer. Dining outdoors is one of the best aspects of summer. It's not hard to find a seat in Delaware where you can enjoy an al fresco restaurant experience. The backyard barbecue vibes are strong at the Crooked Hammock Brewery with locations in Lewes and Middletown. The Summer House in Rehoboth Beach has a "summer garden" adjoining the Rehoboth Avenue restaurant. It has chairs, tables with umbrellas, a large fountain, and seats at a long counter that faces the town's main thoroughfare. The best time to see the ancient wonders that are horseshoe crabs is now, as they return to Delaware Bay beaches for spawning season. Horseshoe crabs first developed 540 million years ago in the Paleozoic era, more closely related to arachnids than crabs. The amazing arthropods lived through the age and extinction of dinosaurs and many, many other species, and are sometimes called "living fossils." Today, the shallows of the Delaware and Chesapeake bays are essential habitat for one of the four living horseshoe crab species: the Atlantic horseshoe crab. Check out our photos from the Delaware beaches on the unofficial kickoff of Summer 2025 season. Memorial Day was the unofficial start of summertime, and parents will soon be bargaining with their teens about summer curfews after days at the beach and nighttime hang outs in Delaware. And while there's no statewide curfew, here's what parents need to know about curfew laws in several popular towns and locations in Delaware. Delaware offers a wide variety of public golf courses throughout the state. Courses range from short par-3 layouts to challenging championship courses. Terrain varies from hilly and tree-lined in the north to flatter and sandier in the south. If you're looking for some fresh air, exercise and the thrills and frustrations a round of golf can bring, the First State has you covered. Delaware's three counties boast dozens of golf courses open to the public, from par-3 layouts you can zip around in two hours to full-length, hazard-strewn championship courses that can provide all the challenge you can handle The state's varied terrain leads to a wide variety of layouts. Northern Delaware is known for its hilly, tree-lined courses. Southern Delaware shows off with flatter, sandier courses with plenty of water-lined holes. It's unofficially the start of summer this weekend: Memorial Day weekend. Here is what it's looking like right now at Rehoboth Beach as well as at beaches from Ocean City, Maryland, to the Hamptons in New York. Check out these live webcams. Memorial Day is fun almost here, and the fashion police are already salty – because they'll have to wait months before they can ticket Delawareans for rocking white after Labor Day. As a heads up, make sure your pedicure game is strong this summer – because questionable toes in flip-flops or open-toe shoes? That could land you an indecent exposure charge. As you rummage through your closet for the perfect Memorial Day outfit, here are some can't-miss entertainment events in the First State where you can show off your style over the holiday weekend. Festival season is just getting started in Delaware, and will soon be in full swing. This whirlwind of events will hit every part of the state, and aims to hit every interest. Here's a preview of notable fests that will awake from hibernation this spring and summer. Hardly a day goes by at the Delaware beaches in the summertime without some festival or concert or show to entertain the masses, but there are a few events that simply can't be missed. If you'll be at the Delaware beaches this season, here are the events you need to put on your calendar. With summer traffic and parking being what it is at the Delaware beaches, using public transportation is a no-brainer. Let someone else navigate Coastal Highway while you scroll on your phone. Get dropped off right at the boardwalk rather than parking blocks away from beach. Pay a few bucks to get driven around all day, as opposed to paying the same hourly for something missing?: 21 things Delaware beaches need to be more fun: beach concerts, swim-up bars, IMAX & more If all that sounds good, these are your options. Update your ParkMobile app now because pay-to-park season has begun at Delaware beaches. How much? During what hours? Where exactly? Can I use a credit card? What is the meaning of life? Don't get overwhelmed; we have answers to all your questions below. Well, mostly. Here are the prices of a few things you're likely to purchase on a day at the Delaware beaches: $4 an hour for parking $3.75 for a slice of Grotto pizza $3 for a bottle of water $7.50 for a small order of Thrasher's fries $5 for a Kohr Bros. frozen custard cone $20 for a T-shirt Multiply the total by the number of people in your family and a beach vacation may seem financially out of reach. One-stop summer planning: Welcome to our 2025 Delaware Summer Guide Money's tight, but that doesn't mean you can't have a good time at the Delaware beaches. After all, the sand and the surf are free, you just have to be frugal with the basics. Longwood Gardens isn't just a flowery name; it's a floral paradise. When guests sneak a peek behind Longwood's veil of rose petals, they'll find a world-class horticulture destination decorated with over 1,000 acres of vibrant foliage, fountains and more. While Longwood is open year-round, the summer is naturally an attractive time for many visitors around the globe to tour the gardens. Here's a preview of what you should know before making a stop at Longwood this summer. Another Delaware beach town now has a curfew for minors. The Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners on May 16 voted to establish a curfew for anyone under 18. Between 11 and 5 a.m. daily, juveniles are not permitted in public places or privately owned businesses unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Rehoboth Beach Police Department Chief Keith Banks asked the commission to adopt the law at the May 16 meeting. The department has seen a 110% increase in juvenile arrests over the past three years, he said. If you're looking for a low-cost summer 'day-cation,' try the nature centers throughout Delaware. They provide indoor and outdoor education and recreation, with displays on history, art and the environment – some with live animals – along with places to hike, special programs with nature experts and even picnics and concerts. Some also offer day camps for kids. For this story, we focused on nature centers operated by the Delaware Nature Society, state parks and the state Division of Fish and Wildlife. Centers more focused on history or art were included if they also offered nature programs. Springtime means flowers blooming, bees buzzing and tourists returning to the Delaware beaches. Locals, too, will be in the sand more now that temperatures are warming up, so what's changed during the off-season? Changes at the beaches are related to parking, tents and lifeguards, depending on which beach you're going to. Know before you go to save time and frustration. Here's what's different at the Delaware beaches since last summer: There's a big world outside of the Small Wonder worth exploring this summer. Don't believe us? Here's a preview of some major events near Delaware worth a mini road trip this spring and early summer. Two heavy hitters in the weather forecasting business have weighed in with their summer predictions: AccuWeather and The Old Farmer's Almanac. One is predicting slightly higher temperatures but near average rainfall for Delaware, while the other is forecasting warmer and drier weather compared with the averages. AccuWeather unveiled its summer forecast April 30, in a report by Brian Lada, meteorologist and senior content editor. Founded in 1962, AccuWeather has more than 100 meteorologists using more than 190 forecast models serving 100 TV stations, over 400 radio stations and 700 newspapers. In the Mid-Atlantic corridor along the East Coast, including Delaware, AccuWeather is predicting temperatures to be one to two degrees above average with precipitation between 75% and 124% of average. Rocking The Docks is looking to create a mini earthquake in Lewes this summer with 17 booming concerts, including Billboard artists, making this year's lineup its biggest yet. All shows went on sale on March 28. The 17 shows will be held over 11 weeks at the Lewes Ferry grounds at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Arguably, the two biggest shows of this year's concert season are the Philly rock band Low Cut Connie and The Amish Outlaws, a cover band that wears Amish outfits. Some of the members grew up Amish before deciding to leave their community to live the secular world and play instruments. While Low Cut Connie is more famous than the Outlaws, the Amish crew is wildly popular downstate. Ready to surf-fish on the Delaware beaches this summer? Not so fast. You need certain permits and licenses, and possibly a reservation. You need to check your tire pressure and throw a shovel in your trunk, and when you're on the beach, there are certain rules you have to follow. Delaware's surf-fishing regulations may seem complex, but we've broken it down for you. Here's what you need to know. Longwood Gardens, the Disney World of plants, is set to bring to life its magical Fireworks & Fountains Shows – six enchanting summer and fall events that will likely sell out fast. Tickets for the first three shows (July through August) go on sale to the public May 14. The second half of shows (August through September) go on sale to the public June 25. Step aside, Rehoboth Beach – because Dover Motor Speedway is getting a brand-new beach with cool attractions during NASCAR race weekend this summer. The Monster Mile will transform into "Miles Beach" from July 17-20. Miles Beach will be located in the Speedway's Fan Zone and feature dozens of family-friendly events and beach-themed attractions, many of which will be free. Another wave of big musical acts has been announced for the Freeman Arts Pavilion's summer concerts series near Selbyville, including new additions like ZZ Top and Young the Giant. The new lineup (below) features 12 more events and performers, including the Arts & Jazz Festival. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 11. Music stars previously announced for the Freeman Arts' 18th season feature standouts like The Beach Boys, Sam Hunt, Buddy Guy, Andy Grammer, Trombone Shorty and many more. More warm weather is on the horizon, which means it's time to head outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Looking for a place to picnic and read? A location fit for a light hike and wildlife sightings? How about jumping through the waves before relaxing on the sand? Whatever you have on your agenda, there's a good chance one of Delaware's state parks will check many or all of the boxes required for your perfect day in the sun. With 17 options to choose from, it can be difficult figuring out which state park would be best for your activity of choice. Delaware's surplus of state and county parks, its many rider-friendly trails and roadways with bike lanes make it somewhat of a cycling paradise. As the weather warms, more will begin pushing their pedals as a form of exercise or travel in the great outdoors. With that in mind, here are a dozen Delaware bike rides that are particularly appealing and worth a try, starting up north and then moving south with four in each of the state's three counties: Birdwatching, known as 'birding' by enthusiasts, isn't as popular in the summer as in the spring and fall because of heat, humidity and insects. Plus, spring and fall bring migratory birds to Delaware so there are more species to spot. But with more daylight and vacations, summer is probably when people have the most time for the activity. Delaware is home to plenty of great places to see and hear well over 150 species, from common birds to the extraordinary. We asked experts for their top five summer birding spots, some of the species people can expect to see there and what you should bring to make your trip more enjoyable. Eager for fresh fruits, veggies and other items from local farms and growers this spring and summer?Delaware has a number of farmers markets, and many are opening soon. Here's your guide to this season's markets. Since its opening in the summer of 2023, Great Wolf Lodge Maryland has attracted thousands of Delaware-area residents to its largest water park yet. This summer, the chain is offering several limited-time deals and discounts. If you're craving a vacation without straying too far from home, here is your guide to booking and staying at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland. If you're looking for a promotion to attend a Wilmington Blue Rocks game this season, you're in luck. The Rocks have something going on before, during or after every home game. As the season approaches, here's a refresher on who the Rocks are, where they play, how to purchase tickets and much more. Every few years over the past decade, Delaware Online/The News Journal has published an occasional series called "What Wilmington needs to be more fun." A bit of a think-out-loud brainstorming session, we reach for the stars, but keep a dash of reality in our minds as we cook up ideas. Over the years, many have actually come to be: beer gardens (Constitution Yards Beer Garden, Maker's Alley), record store (SqueezeBox Records), another art house movie theater (The Screening Room at 1313), production brewery (Wilmington Brew Works), rooftop bar (The Quoin Hotel) and more. With the weather heating up, we figured it's time to turn our attention down south to Delaware's beaches, already a bastion for summertime fun. Newark wants to keep people coming back to its downtown while the Blue Hens are on summer break. Before saddling up to play Dover this summer, Delaware country star Jimmie Allen gave fans a Jay-Z-inspired message on Instagram: "I got 99 problems but a beer ain't one." Tickets are now on sale for Allen's concert at Bally's Dover Casino Resort on June 20. The lyrics Allen sang are from Justin Moore's 2024 song "Beer Ain't One" featuring Blake Shelton. (Justin Moore will play two nights at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach on July 24-25.)Before saddling up to play Dover this summer, Delaware country star Jimmie Allen gave fans a Jay-Z-inspired message on Instagram: "I got 99 problems but a beer ain't one." Tickets are now on sale for Allen's concert at Bally's Dover Casino Resort on June 20. The lyrics Allen sang are from Justin Moore's 2024 song "Beer Ain't One" featuring Blake Shelton. (Justin Moore will play two nights at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach on July 24-25.) For many of us, going to the zoo is a summer tradition we look forward to every year. From watching lemurs and tamarins swing from branch to branch to feeding goats and alpacas right out of our hands, there's something at the zoo for everyone. And with summer just around the corner, both kids and kids at heart are itching to see their favorite animals and embark on yet another exciting, zoo-related adventure. While there seems to be plenty of uncertainty when it comes to tourism this summer, there are studies finding that Americans will be traveling this coming season — although maybe not as many. Despite the economic uncertainty, Americans aren't staying home, says the market research company Leger. Leger's study found 49% of Americans plan to take at least one leisure trip this summer and one in five are likely to travel for business, both consistent with 2024 levels. That's slightly less than last year when 51% Americans planned to take a leisure summer trip. The warmer weather means the end of the school year is right around the corner. Kids will be home. But the question may be, can they be home alone? It's a tricky question for any parent, but here's some help to aid you in your decision. Starbucks will unveil its full summer menu in May, but this week, it offered USA TODAY a sneak peek of some of the items that will be included. The company is unveiling a new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, while bringing back the Summer-Berry Refreshers that were introduced in 2024, a spokesperson told USA TODAY. The coffee chain will also be debuting a new Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop. The Summer-Berry Refreshers, unveiled last year, featured a layer of popping raspberry flavored pearls at the bottom of the cup, adding fruity flavor to the drink. The refreshers were available in three flavors: Summer-Berry, Summer-Berry with Lemonade and Summer Skies. A summer vacation at the beach on a budget can be difficult, but here are tips on how to save money on hotels and motels. Usually, rates depend on how far away from the beach you stay, when you go on vacation, and if you only need a bare-bones place to rest your head or if you want a more luxurious room, with a small kitchen, a pool and room service. For this story, we searched national travel websites for hotel prices at the Delaware beaches under $300 per night from Memorial Day weekend to the last weekend in September and found rates starting at $93 per night. Opening day at Citizens Bank Park is a treat for the senses. As you walk through the parking lot, the tantalizing smell of brats and burgers cooking over charcoal lures you through the parking lot toward the stadium. Once in The Bank, you can smell the popcorn or spilled beer. You can hear the sizzling of Italian sausages, hot dogs and cheesesteaks at Hatfield Grill. You can hear the crunch of peanut shells. It all rewards you for making it through winter as you relax in your seat for a few hours of Phillies baseball on the first home date of the year. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Everything you need to know about enjoying your summer in Delaware
Miami Herald
03-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Marco Rubio is one of us. He understands what happens to Haitians who go back
Ironic twist The silver lining of Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake was the finest hour of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and indeed, all of Miami. UM faculty were in Haiti from day one, performing thousands of life-saving operations and treating thousands of desperately ill patients. We organized volunteers and raised medical equipment and supplies from around the nation. Private aircraft, lent by some of Miami's wealthiest families, flew round the clock, bringing in volunteers and supplies, while evacuating the injured. Private companies donated millions in dollars and in-kind services to aid recovery. No example of Miami's response captured our collective heroism more than the rescue of Baby Jenny — an infant buried for five days in the rubble, wrapped in the arms of her dead babysitter. She suffered a skull fracture, flail chest, dehydration and shock. She would have died were it not for the skill of our doctors and nurses, the good fortune of a private plane on the runway and an available bed in the NICU of Jackson Memorial Hospital. Later, a team of Haitian-American and Cuban-American attorneys used DNA tests to reunite her with her parents. We celebrated this miracle during the fifth and 10th anniversaries of the earthquake, with follow-up news stories. Jenny survived to become a happy, healthy and in every sense normal child. To mark the 15th anniversary, we attempted another follow-up story a few months ago. However, her family refused, due to fear of deportation. They, like hundreds of thousands of our neighbors (not just Haitians) are here under Temporary Protected Status. That status is about to be canceled. I cannot speak about conditions in Cuba, Venezuela or Nicaragua, but I can speak on conditions in Haiti with authority. Haiti is now a failed state. Gangs have destroyed hospitals, churches, universities and whole communities. Kidnappings and senseless killings occur daily. People are starving and malnutrition is rampant. To return decent people — whose lives we saved and were embraced by our community — to such nightmarish conditions is cruel and shameful. No one understands this situation better, perhaps, than the people of Miami, our nation's most vibrant melting pot. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is one of us. He should know better. Let him hear your voices. Arthur Fournier, co-founder, Project Medishare for Haiti, professor emeritus, Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami Lasting legacy Few have given more to the state of Florida than John Thrasher. He was a statesman, soldier and a friend. Throughout his career, he served Florida with dedication. From serving on the Clay County School Board, to his tenure as speaker of the Florida House and later as president of Florida State University, Thrasher's leadership left a lasting legacy. May the Thrasher family find comfort in the legacy of service and integrity that he leaves behind. Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach Broken streets Infrastructure, safety and potholes make Miami among the worst cities for drivers. Some streets in the Brickell Avenue and Coconut Grove areas are critical, with road surfaces heavily damaged and posing significant safety hazards. Unfortunately, this situation has existed for years. As a resident, I find it difficult to understand how Miami's city government leaders — specifically, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Chairwoman Christine King and Commissioners Damian Pardo and Miguel Gabela — manage our budget. With so many condos in Brickell and downtown providing millions and millions of dollars in taxes, it is difficult to understand why our infrastructure is in such poor condition. Perhaps too much money is being spent on unnecessary city employees? These leaders need to solve this issue as soon as possible. Carlos Ortiz, Miami National misconduct Reading the June 2 Miami Herald, I felt sad at the situation in our country. President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of a man who, along with a partner, fleeced the government of well over $85 million after filing 866,000 false claims to Medicare. Apparently, it is mere peanuts to him. Meanwhile, Trump does not think twice about cutting funding for Medicaid, flood prevention, childcare, food banks and other agencies. In the same Herald edition, there was more evidence of wanton corruption regarding The Hope Florida Foundation,created to support a program spearheaded by Gov. Ron DeSantis' wife, Casey. Are we on our way to becoming a kleptocracy? Can we really afford another three years of this malfeasance? Ana M. Bacallao, South Miami Catalans in Miami On May 14, the Catalan American Council (CAC) held its first event in South Florida at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, marking a milestone for our community. The CAC, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., was founded to represent and support the Catalan-American community across the United States. The event raised funds for the CAC's Diaspora Project, the first national effort to document the modern Catalan-American experience. South Florida is home to a significant part of this community, with many tracing their roots to Catalan-speaking regions of Europe — often via Cuba or Puerto Rico. The event also honored the 2025 recipients of the Transatlantic Bridge Award, which recognizes efforts to strengthen ties between Europe, the U.S. and the Catalan-American diaspora. The awardees were Carlos Curbelo, co-founder of Vocero LLC and former U.S. Congressman and Enrique Roig, director of policy and strategic initiatives at the Seattle International Foundation and a former senior official at the State Department. Andrew Davis, Washington, D.C. What agenda? President Donald Trump and his cronies are laser-focused on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in government. So why did Trump pardon Lawrence Duran who, according to the June 2 Miami Herald article, 'Trump commutes sentence of Miami exec in Medicare fraud case,' filed 866,000 false claims with Medicare and received more than $87 million from the scheme? Furthermore, Trump also pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, who defrauded banks and the IRS out of millions of dollars. Barry Alan Wilen, Hollywood Unseemly actions Some members of the Biden family allegedly traded on the former president's name or position, whether in China or Ukraine. Comparatively, President Trump's son, Eric, is now doing about the same with a luxury residential development and golf course in Vietnam. If I were in politics, I might allow the same for my family. Still, this is the unseemly aspect of our world of politics. Roger Shatanof, Coral Gables Leadership styles One can see the great contrast in styles and leadership qualities between the leaders of Ukraine and the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with brilliant planning and innovation, recently pulled off a devastating blow to Russia's military air fleet. At practically the same time, President Trump, in all his brilliance, re-posted a conspiracy theory that former President Joe Biden was actually executed and a clone had replaced him in 2020. Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito has engineered some remarkable trades. Perhaps he can do the American public a huge favor and trade our president for Zelenskyy. With a courageous leader like Zelenskyy leading our nation, we would have a very bright future. With Donald 'TACO' Trump as our president, the future is very dim indeed. Martin Kleinbart, Aventura Terminal forecast I always look forward to coming home to Miami, with one exception: the airport. Upon my recent arrival, it was raining and American Airlines would not unload luggage. I went outside and the sky was clear. After three hours, I asked if they could deliver my luggage. You know the answer. This should be a world class airport. Instead, trains rarely work, escalators and elevators are in constant disrepair and MIA is ill prepared for any weather other than clear skies. Michael Friend, Kendall
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Gentleman Warrior' John Thrasher dead at 81
Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher, whose career in politics and public service spanned more than three decades, died Friday after a battle with cancer, his family announced. Thrasher, 81, served in the House and the Senate before being tapped in 2014 as president of FSU, where he had earned his bachelor's and law degrees. During his tenure in the Legislature, Thrasher, a Republican, was a close ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush and helped carry out Bush's overhaul of the state's education system that included a controversial school-grading system and rigorous testing of student performance. 'I am heartbroken. John was one of my best friends in life. I loved the guy. I am praying hard for the wonderful Jean and his children and grandchildren,' Bush said in an email Friday morning to The News Service of Florida, referring to Thrasher's wife of 60 years, Jean. Thrasher, with Bush's backing, was elected to lead the Republican Party of Florida in 2010 after its former chairman, Jim Greer, was forced out amid a probe into the party's finances. Thrasher became speaker in 1998, the same year Bush was first elected — and as Republicans cemented what remains a dominance of state government. Thrasher died Friday morning in Orlando surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by spokeswoman Sarah Bascom. 'The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health and Cornerstone Hospice,' the statement said. In addition to his wife, Thrasher is survived by daughter Jennifer Jordan and her husband, Don; son Jon Thrasher and his wife Millie; and daughter Julie Weinberg and her husband Mark. He also was a 'proud and devoted grandfather' to eight grandchildren, Bascom said in an email. Accolades for Thrasher, who represented parts of Northeast Florida in the Legislature and was fiercely devoted to FSU, poured in after the announcement of his death. Thrasher's bid to become FSU president initially drew some opposition, in part, because of his lack of an academic background. But Thrasher, who as a lawmaker took numerous steps to support the university, such as helping start its medical school, became a widely respected president. Thrasher's presidency, which lasted until 2021, 'marked a period of historic momentum for the university,' according to FSU President Richard McCullough. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence and research,' McCullough said in a statement. 'Jai (McCullough's wife) and I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have known him and will always cherish the time we spent together at university events, out on the golf course or sharing a meal. John had a remarkable ability to bring people together with his warmth, humor and unmistakable charm.' Thrasher was 'one of the greatest men I've ever known,' Gus Corbella, a lobbyist who served as director of the House Majority Office during Thrasher's two-year term as speaker, told the News Service in a text. 'He was a mentor to me more than just in public service, but also as a shining example of what a man of integrity, courage and conviction can be in this often challenging world. He was a gentleman of the highest order worthy of every respect accorded to him,' Corbella said. Kathy Mears, who has held a series of high-level staff positions in the Legislature and state government and served as Thrasher's government-relations director at FSU, offered similar praise. 'No words can adequately capture the deserved honor Florida owes to John Thrasher,' Mears said. 'He was a gentleman warrior. He led with quiet strength and firm resolve. He did so much good for so many — as a lawmaker, as a leader, as a mentor, but most of all as a friend.' Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis also praised Thrasher, who served in Vietnam and was elected to the state House in 1992 from Clay County. After a time out of the Legislature following his term as speaker, Thrasher joined the Senate by winning a special election to succeed the late Jim King, R-Jacksonville, in 2009. 'John was a decorated combat veteran, served the state well as both Speaker of the House and as a Florida senator, and provided great leadership as the president of his alma mater, Florida State University. John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state. We send our condolences to Jean and the entire Thrasher family,' the governor said in a post on X. Thrasher 'made a huge impact' on the state GOP 'from his time in public office to his willingness to step in and chair the party during a difficult time,' Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power said in an X post. 'Florida is better for his service,' added Power, calling Thrasher 'a legend.' Senate President Ben Albritton also lauded Thrasher, who after leaving the House helped found The Southern Group, one of the capital city's most influential lobbying firms. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry. His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education. From the battlefields of Vietnam where he returned as a highly decorated officer, to years of honorable service as speaker of the House, Rules (Committee) chair of the Senate and president of Florida State University, John was regarded by all as a strong, fair leader with unquestionable judgment, timeless principles of honor, and a gentleman all the way through,' Albritton said. The family will hold a private burial for Thrasher in Orange Park. A celebration of life is scheduled on Aug. 19 at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
30-05-2025
- Politics
John Thrasher, former Florida State president and state House speaker, dies at 81
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and longtime state legislator, died on Friday. He was 81. Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm. 'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. Thrasher, a Republican, was a member of the Florida House from 1992-2000, serving as speaker during his last two years. After leaving elected office, he went on to co-found The Southern Group lobbying firm. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and stayed there until 2014. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry," Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said in a statement. "His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education.' Thrasher served as president of Florida State University from 2014 to 2021. He earned a business degree from the school in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Thrasher returned to Florida State to earn a law degree in 1972. 'John's love for Florida State University was truly inspiring,' current FSU President Richard McCullough said in statement. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research." A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, near Jacksonville. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Aug. 19 at Florida State in Tallahassee.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
John Thrasher, former Florida State president and state House speaker, dies at 81
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and longtime state legislator, died on Friday. He was 81. Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm. 'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. Thrasher, a Republican, was a member of the Florida House from 1992-2000, serving as speaker during his last two years. After leaving elected office, he went on to co-found The Southern Group lobbying firm. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and stayed there until 2014. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry," Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said in a statement. "His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education.' Thrasher served as president of Florida State University from 2014 to 2021. He earned a business degree from the school in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Thrasher returned to Florida State to earn a law degree in 1972. 'John's love for Florida State University was truly inspiring,' current FSU President Richard McCullough said in statement. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research." A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, near Jacksonville. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Aug. 19 at Florida State in Tallahassee.
