Gov. Ron DeSantis’ selection of Danny Burgess to serve as the state’s executive director of Florida’s Department of Veterans Affairs has been confirmed, and Burgess has issued a letter of farewell to his constituents in House District 38.
The letter recounts Burgess’ love for Pasco County, the wonderful memories he has and his love for serving the community.
“I could not imagine a better place to grow up and, now, watch my children create their own lasting memories here,” Burgess wrote.
He also noted that the two fundamental questions that have guided his life and public service have been:
- Is this the right decision for my family?
- How can I best serve my community to achieve the greatest good?
Although he did not seek his new appointment, he decided to accept it, keeping those two questions in mind, he wrote.
When he was offered the appointment, he said, “ I felt it my duty to accept. We owe each and every service member a debt of gratitude, and if I can do my part to make the lives of our veterans healthy, prosperous and safe, I am humbled to be in a position do so.”
He also told the constituents of District 38 that’s not leaving the community.
“Pasco County and Zephyrhills are my home, and my wife Courtney and I could not think of raising our three children anywhere else. The headquarters for the FDVA is right here in the Tampa Bay Area. So, while I may no longer be your State Representative, I will continue to be your neighbor and friend.”
Burgess also noted, “It is only by the grace of God and the unconditional support of my friends and family that I have this opportunity to help make a positive difference in the lives of others by serving those who served us.”
He then specifically thanked his wife, Courtney, and their three children; his parents; Gov. DeSantis; and colleagues in the House of Representatives, especially Speaker Jose Oliva,
Chairman Chris Sprowls, Sen. Wilton Simpson and the entire Pasco County delegation; and his staff, Robin Ringeisen and Jonathan Till.
Finally, he thanked his family and friends in District 38.
“Sometimes it’s easy in times of political acrimony and gridlock to forget the amazing accomplishments we’ve made together for our District,” he wrote, including renewed economic development opportunities, securing record funding in state appropriations, transportation improvement projects, and consumer friendly legislation.
Burgess recently won a third term for District 38, so a special election will be held to fill the seat he is vacating.
Published January 30, 2019
