Profile: State Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart
A Republican, he represents District 18 that encompasses Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beaches south through Ponte Vedra, Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano Beach.
Election history
Elected to the House in 2008 with 56 percent of the vote, defeating Elaine Brown and John Capra.
Education
Received doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern University in 1990 and bachelor’s of science from University of Florida in 1986.
Occupation
Osteopathic physician
Military service
Florida Army National Guard, 1990-present; Chief Medical Officer 2004-08; Field Surgeon in Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003; Operation Enduring Freedom 2005-06; Flight Surgeon in Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2007.
Family
Wife, Jackie, and three children, Jennifer Lynn, Scarlett Rose and Ronald Joseph Jr.
What he drives
“Last year I bought a 2010 Chevy Camaro and have already put 18,000 miles on it.”
Favorite legislative
moment
“There were some real special moments last year. Former Gov. Jeb Bush took time to come speak with all the freshmen representatives. And, of course, the honoring of the University of Florida football team.”
Least favorite legislative
moment
“We’re allowed to file six bills, the budget is always a top priority and everyone is trying to get their bills to the floor. Sometimes there isn’t enough time for everything and the bills you work so hard on don’t make it there.”
On stimulus money
“I’m not sure it really stimulated the economy as it was intended to do. It was more of a redistribution of tax revenues. Instead of going to the government, I’d have rather seen the dollars in the pockets of Florida taxpayers.”
On the budget and
funding
“It’s a huge challenge this year and it’s something we have to overcome. We need to continue to provide an opportunity for world-class education.”
How he de-stresses
“I’m a runner and I’ve been running some of the hills in Tallahassee when I can. It’s worked. I cut five minutes off my (Gate) River Run time last week.”
Guilty pleasure
“I’m a big football fan. I go to a lot of Jaguar and Gator games and watch it all during the season and follow it in the off-season and study the (NFL) draft.”