Profile: Rep. Jennifer Carroll
A Republican, she represents District 13, which includes Fleming Island, parts of the Westside in Duval County and parts of Clay County.
Election History
Won a special election for the seat in 2003 and was re-elected without opposition the next year.
Education
Earned Master of Business Administration degree from St. Leo University and a bachelor’s in political science from University of New Mexico.
Occupation
Consulting business owner.
Military career
Retired from U.S. Navy after 20 years of service beginning in 1979. Served as a jet mechanic and worked her way up before retiring in 1999 as a Lieutenant Commander Aviation Maintenance Officer.
Family
Husband, Nolan, and three children, Nolan II, Nyckie and Necho.
What she drives
“A (Chevy) Suburban with 300,000 miles on it. You’ve got to keep up on your regular maintenance.”
Favorite moment(s)
“I have several favorite moments, but any time I’m able to bring back jobs and dollars for the district, it’s a favorite moment.”
Least favorite moment(s)
“Not getting something finished that was meaningful for safety, such as my cosmetology bill (HB 117 in 2007) that wasn’t signed by the governor. That industry has changed and people get by without licenses. It would have changed things for the better. That was my most disappointing moment.”
On stimulus money
“It shouldn’t have come about the way it did. Taxpayers should have been able to keep more of their money, because it really is their money. The money we received was really our money and we have to take back what’s rightfully ours. For far too long, we’ve been a donor state (not getting back as much for each $1 sent) and that needs to change.”
On the budget and funding
“It’s a great opportunity to make government return to what it was meant to do. We can take a closer look at everything and make things more efficient.”
How she de-stresses
“I say my prayers every day and try to stay grounded in the Lord’s work.”
Guilty pleasure
“I’m working too much. My friends and family tell me ‘Every single moment you have, do you have to spend it working?’ and I tell them ‘Yes.’ I spend so much time at it, though, that it doesn’t feel like work.”