Governor of Florida. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 37th Governor of the State of Florida from 1971 until 1979. He made history as the first governor from Florida to serve two consecutive four-year terms. Born in Oklahoma, his father suffered from alcoholism and following his parents' divorce, his mother moved her six children to Florida. Reubin showed great ambition as a child, as he earned income as a shoe shiner, in addition to selling magazines. Following high school graduation, he served as a paratrooper with the United States Army and with the aid of the G.I. Bill, he was able to attend Florida State University were he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration. He returned to the military and served with the United States Air Force during the Korean War and upon his return home, he attained a law degree from the University of Florida. He served as an assistant solicitor with Escambia County in Florida, prior to launching his political career in 1958, initially with Florida's House of Representatives, later with the State Senate. During his terms as governor, he spearheaded efforts for tax reform and passed the "Sunshine Amendment", which made it mandatory for public officials and candidates to provide full financial disclosure. His administration was recognized for appointing Blacks to high positions within the state judicial and government branches. During his time in office, Florida saw a population growth and boost to the economy with the opening of "Disney World" in the Orlando-area. Askew served as the chairman of the National Governor's Conference in 1977. In 1984, he had an unsuccessful bid to secure the Democratic Presidential Nomination which went to former Vice President Walter Mondale. Askew died from a variety of health issues including complications of a stroke and pneumonia.
Governor of Florida. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 37th Governor of the State of Florida from 1971 until 1979. He made history as the first governor from Florida to serve two consecutive four-year terms. Born in Oklahoma, his father suffered from alcoholism and following his parents' divorce, his mother moved her six children to Florida. Reubin showed great ambition as a child, as he earned income as a shoe shiner, in addition to selling magazines. Following high school graduation, he served as a paratrooper with the United States Army and with the aid of the G.I. Bill, he was able to attend Florida State University were he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration. He returned to the military and served with the United States Air Force during the Korean War and upon his return home, he attained a law degree from the University of Florida. He served as an assistant solicitor with Escambia County in Florida, prior to launching his political career in 1958, initially with Florida's House of Representatives, later with the State Senate. During his terms as governor, he spearheaded efforts for tax reform and passed the "Sunshine Amendment", which made it mandatory for public officials and candidates to provide full financial disclosure. His administration was recognized for appointing Blacks to high positions within the state judicial and government branches. During his time in office, Florida saw a population growth and boost to the economy with the opening of "Disney World" in the Orlando-area. Askew served as the chairman of the National Governor's Conference in 1977. In 1984, he had an unsuccessful bid to secure the Democratic Presidential Nomination which went to former Vice President Walter Mondale. Askew died from a variety of health issues including complications of a stroke and pneumonia.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
Children
Advertisement
See more Askew memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
