UF00083550_00022.pdf

UF00083550_00022.txt

UF00083550_00022_pdf.txt

FARRIS BRYANT FOR GOVERNOR
"Best qualified -- By Far

BRYANT SPEECH LIBRARY #5

For use of:
City and County

SUBJECT: Speakers' Committees
(1) "Bryant and the Florida Turnpike

(2) Bryant and South Florida Interest
(3) "Bryant and AllmFlorida Concept

Approx. Length: 2 min. 35 sec.

When I was honored by an invitation to speak tonight, I decided to
talk about just one of those fine things I know, personally, about our
candidate, Farris Bryant, which proves his strong (South Florida) --

(All Florida) interest and integrity.

In 1953, Farris Bryant was Speaker of the House, having been elected
by the biggest majority ever in a contested election. As such, he had
great influence with that body.

The Dade County Chamber of Commerce was convinced that a four-lane
toll road leading North from Dade County was a vital necessity to the
tourist industry, and they pledged full cooperation and assistance to the
Dade legislative delegation to achieve that objective. They must have
spent about as much time in Tallahassee as did the governor himself.

The Turnpike ... now known as the Sunshine State Parkway ... proved
to be a subject of intense sectional bitterness. While some believed that
the added comfort and convenience of the tourist was good for all Florida,

many in the legislature violently opposed its construction. Both sides
were equally sincere. f
~more- l

NOTE: Order additional copies all speeches from i
BRYANT STATE HEADQUARTERS, ocau, FLA.

Bryant Speech #5 2-
"Florida Turnpike

"South Florida Interest"

"All-Florida Concept"

Near the end of that session, the membership of the House was polled
and it was learned that the opposition would defeat the Turnpike Bill when
it reached the floor. It was conclusive, then, that only the Speaker of
the House, Farris Bryant, could make the turnpike a reality.

Farris Bryant called both sides together, sold the opposition on the
sound research and feasibility for this four-lane highway. convinced them
it would pay for itself and finally effected the compromise which resulted
in the turnpike which has more than proven itself, and which runs from
Pt. Pierce to Miami today.

Some were disappointed that the turnpike was to run but 110 miles
North. Others were unhappy that any was to be built at all. But both
gave a little in the spirit of healthy compromise under Bryant's
leadership.

The State Road Department called for only 110 miles, and the
extensive study undertaken on behalf of the administration by independent
research organizations proved that only that length was feasible ...uould
pay for itself ... so the decision was a wise one after all. And I
submit that this healthy beginning was a tremendous achievement in the
light of the disposition of the legislature at that time. It is

significant of Farris Bryant and his high respect for tax dollars that he

'IDOIE-

Bryant Speech #5 ~3-
"Florida Turnpike"

"South Florida Interest

"All-Florida Concept

placed his influence whole-heartedly behind this project to the very limit
of his ability ... because research proved it was economically sound to do
so.

In closing, let me impart to you a truth which explains some of Farris
Bryant's strong South Florida support; a factual statement I know to be
true, because legislators on both sides have told me so. Without Farris
Bryant, there would be no turnpike today!

Remember, Bryant was a state representative elected -- not from South
Florida -- but from Marion County -- proof of his all-Florida concept.

I'm proud to be a Bryant supporter. I've never had a prouder

position.

#######

Venn, Cole & Associates, Inc.
721 Dupont Plaza Center
Miami 32, Florida

March 17, 1960




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