Florida, the Sunshine State, is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture. It's also home to a number of famous people, from politicians and athletes to actors and musicians.
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most famous people from Florida. We'll learn about their backgrounds, their accomplishments, and their contributions to the state.
From politicians like Barack Obama and Jeb Bush to athletes like Shaquille O'Neal and Serena Williams, Florida has produced a number of notable figures who have made their mark on the world stage. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at some of these famous Floridians and explore their lives and careers.
Famous People from Florida
Sunshine State's notable figures.
- Barack Obama
- Jeb Bush
- Shaquille O'Neal
- Serena Williams
- Tom Cruise
- Burt Reynolds
- Gloria Estefan
- Jimmy Buffett
Politicians, athletes, actors, musicians.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, has a special connection to the Sunshine State.
- Born in Honolulu, raised in Jakarta and Hawaii:
Although Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he spent part of his childhood in Jakarta, Indonesia, and returned to Hawaii to complete his high school education.
- Attended Columbia University and Harvard Law School:
After graduating from high school, Obama attended Columbia University in New York City and later Harvard Law School, where he served as the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review.
- Worked as a community organizer in Chicago:
Following law school, Obama moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he worked as a community organizer and civil rights attorney.
- Elected to the U.S. Senate from Illinois:
In 1996, Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first African-American to represent Illinois in the Senate.
Obama's connection to Florida is significant because he won the state in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. He is also the first African-American president to carry the state of Florida.
Jeb Bush
Jeb Bush, the 43rd Governor of Florida, is another notable figure from the Sunshine State.
- Born in Midland, Texas:
Jeb Bush was born in Midland, Texas, but he grew up in Florida and considers it his home state.
- Served as Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007:
Bush was elected Governor of Florida in 1998 and served two terms. During his time as governor, he focused on education reform, economic development, and environmental protection.
- Brother of former President George W. Bush:
Jeb Bush is the younger brother of former President George W. Bush. The Bush family has a long history of political involvement in both Florida and the United States.
- Ran for President in 2016:
In 2016, Jeb Bush ran for President of the United States. He was considered a frontrunner in the Republican primary, but he ultimately lost the nomination to Donald Trump.
Jeb Bush is a prominent figure in Florida politics and has been involved in numerous philanthropic and business ventures since leaving office. He is also a potential candidate for future political office.