Benacquisto receives new role

TALLAHASSEE — Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has named Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto to serve as deputy majority leader of the Senate.

Elected in 2010, upper chamber freshman Benacquisto, R-Wellington, will serve as deputy to Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando.

“In her inaugural session, Senator Benacquisto's energy was unmistakable,” Haridopolos said in a statement announcing the appointment Wednesday. “She treats her constituents with respect and is devoted to serving Floridians. Senator Benacquisto embraces her role as state senator wholeheartedly, and I know her colleagues in the Senate majority will benefit from her characteristic focus and drive.”

Prior to her tenure on the Senate, Benacquisto served as a councilwoman for the Village of Wellington from 2002 to 2010.