BIOGRAPHY

Background

• Native born Floridian. Born in historic fishing village of Cortez, Florida located on the north end of Sarasota Bay, Manatee County. Son of a minister, Ray Pringle, Sr. (deceased) and Naomi Pringle.
• Lived in Jacksonville for 25 years.
• Ray and wife, Janet have been married for 41 years.
• Two grown children, Jennifer Erixton and Shawn Pringle
• Four grandchildren: Joshua, Jacob, Stephany and Kaitlyn
• Graduate of Manatee High School

Experiences

• Previous employment in telephone company and commercial fishing
• 6 years in Army National Guard. Honorable Discharge at rank of Sergeant.
• 9 years in Sheriff’s Reserve in Manatee County. Attended FBI Police School and Police Training at Technical School. On many occasions performed as a regular deputy, on patrols, stakeouts, riot control and Shift Commander.
• President and Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Church of God, a worldwide ministry, established by Ray Pringle, Sr. (deceased).
• President of Florida Fishermen’s Federation, representing Florida’s commercial fishermen.
• Represents Florida’s seafood industry in State of Florida and Nationally
• Recognized as an expert witness in criminal court, State of Florida, relating to fishing gear and techniques.
• Charter Member of World War II Memorial Committee for State of Florida, approved and led by Governor Bush and many Sheriffs
• Involved in work to establish Cortez, Florida and other costal communities as National Historic Communities.
• Speaker at Leadership schools
• Served on Advisory Boards for County Commission
• Served on Waterfront and Keep Florida Beautiful Committees for State of Florida
• Experienced in conflict resolution with government offices, committees.
• Member of National Marine fish Conservation Network, on committees and speaking on conservation of natural resources and environmental issues.
• Served on committee for Economic Impact Zones for State of Florida
• Participated in writing grants for Economic Development Policy, Rural Development, and Impact Zones
• Drafted recommendation for Commission on Oceans, a commission appointed by President Bush.
• Involved in many initiatives, Save Our Bays, Clean River Restoration, Water Management.
• Involved in many fund raising and relief efforts. Organized fish fries for campaigns of Governor Bush, senators, and others, the largest served over 5000 people in Tallahassee for Governor Bush.
• Served hot meals for ten days in Punta Gorda, Florida after Hurricane Charley to Police, EMTs, Firefighters and others.
• Gave many fish fries for many charitable events (Planned, managed, cooked, served)