AVON PARK, FLORIDA — State Rep. Fred Hawkins (R-St. Cloud) will likely be the next president of South Florida State College. Hawkins – who DeSantis endorsed during his 2022 campaign for re-election – is the sole finalist for the position after two other candidates withdrew.
Hawkins told WFTV on Tuesday that he plans to accept the position, noting that although the vote isn’t until June 7, he is the only finalist and looks forward to becoming the college’s next president.
If Hawkins steps down, a special election would need to be held to fill his vacancy in the House of Representatives. Hawkins said the new position would require his full-time attention and said his time as an elected official has been a highlight of his life.
The Orange/Osceola state representative has been one of DeSantis’ biggest supporters in his fight with Disney. He sponsored the bill (HB 9B) that stripped Disney of its self-governing power and transferred it to a board appointed by the governor.
Pages turn and new chapters begin. I am looking forward to becoming the next President of South Florida State College. My time as an elected official has been a highlight of my life, especially serving in the Florida House.
— Fred Hawkins, Jr. (@Hawkins4florida) May 10, 2023
