Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Paul W. Danahy’s Jr.’s 90th birthday. A member of my hometown of Tampa and the state of Florida’s Greatest Generation, Judge Danahy is one of the longest-serving members on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeals.  As a legislator, judge, and assistant Attorney General, Judge Danahy earned a reputation for working tirelessly when providing service to others, and for “gaining the respect of all with whom he served.” 

Born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, Judge Danahy was drawn to Tampa to play basketball at the University of Tampa. In Tampa he found both a new hometown and the love of his life Georgia Reed.  He enlisted in the army during the Korean War and served in Army Intelligence, a precursor to the CIA. Judge Danahy has a very unique military record as he also served his country as a U.S Marine. Those who know Judge Danahy appreciate his interest and respect for history, customs, and culture and much of this appreciation stems from his time being stationed in Japan serving in the military.  Upon return from military service he found his true calling after he earned his law degree from the University of Florida in 1957. 

Judge Danahy became an influential member of the Florida House of Representatives serving from 1966 to 1974. True to form Judge Danahy believes perhaps his most important work was the 1968 rewrite of Florida’s ethics laws alongside pioneering Florida Governor Lawton Chiles.  During his time in the legislature Judge Danahy worked with a who’s who of Floridians that steered our state during difficult and challenging times. The Florida we know and love today would not be possible without the contributions of Judge Danahy and his partners in Florida’s progress. 

After leaving the legislature Judge Danahy’s service was only beginning however.  He was appointed to the Second District Court of Appeals in 1977 and sat on the bench a record shattering thirty-three years, serving as Chief Judge from 1986 to 1988. In his 30th year at the court, Judge Danahy received a fitting recognition - the largest conference room at the Tampa branch of the 2nd DCA was named the Judge Paul W. Danahy, Jr., Conference Room.  This recognition not only honored his record setting time on the bench but also his legislative prowess – he was largely responsible for obtaining legislative funding to bring the branch to Tampa. 

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to honor and send many wishes to a great Tampanian, Judge Paul W. Danahy, Jr., on his 90th birthday. He is a man faithful to his family, state, and country and unparalleled in service to his neighbors.