Sun. Nov 24th, 2024

Rep. Loranne Ausley questions a bill sponsor on the Florida House floor on March 20, 2019. (Photo: Meredith Geddings via Florida House of Representatives)

Former Florida legislator Loranne Ausley underwent a successful neck surgery Sunday following a serious bike accident Saturday, her husband Bill Hollimon posted to Ausley’s social media accounts. 

The accident took place during a triathlon in North Florida, her husband said in the post. Although he did not name the race, the Panama City Beach Ironman was held Saturday.

“She is a fixture in our community here. We are all hoping for her complete recovery,” said state Rep. Allison Tant, who has known Ausley for 25 years, in a phone call with the Phoenix.

A Democrat, Ausley, 61, initially served in the state House of Representatives for eight years before being term-limited out. She was elected to the chamber again in 2016 and served two terms before being elected to the state Senate in 2020.

Republican Cory Simon defeated her in her 2022 reelection bid.

An attorney, Ausley is a long-time triathlete and is often seen around Tallahassee cycling or running or at the gym swimming. According to her law firm’s website, she is a five-time Ironman finisher and qualified for the 2024 Women’s World Ironman Championships in Nice, France. An Ironman competition includes a 112-mile bike ride, 26.2-mile run, and a 2.4-mile swim. 

She practices law with her husband at Hollimon PA in Tallahassee, specializing in non-profit and elections law, strategic advice, and general government consulting.

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Politics is in Ausley’s Florida blood

Her father is Tallahassee attorney DuBose Ausley, who once served as chair of the State University System. Her grandfather, Charles Ausley, founded an influential North Florida law firm (now Ausley McMulling) with his brother, John Ausley, and worked alongside LeRoy Collins until Collins was elected governor. Charles Ausley served as mayor of Tallahassee and was also elected to the state Senate.

Loranne Ausley’s mother, Sallie Ausley, was co-founder of the Red Hills Horse Trials, an annual equestrian event in Tallahassee.

During her legislative tenure, Ausley championed state employees and people with disabilities. 

Ausley’s work on the latter predated the birth of her son, William DuBose Ausley Hollimon, who’s known as “Iron Will.” He was born prematurely and has developmental disabilities.

In 2006, Ausley successfully sponsored legislation that created the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.

“We are sending Senator Ausley positive prayers and healing thoughts during this difficult time,” Leon County Democratic Party Chair Ryan Ray said in a statement to the Florida Phoenix. “We are hoping for a full recovery for a fine public servant and respected leader.”

Ausley’s husband said he would post updates as necessary. Sending their well-wishes on the X post were U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, Florida state Sen.-elect Carlos Guillermo Smith, and dozens more.

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