Mega-mall executive gives $100K to Gov. Scott

Benderson Development President Randy Benderson gave $100,000 to a political fundraising arm for Florida Gov. Rick Scott in late March, according to a News Service of Florida report.

Benderson, the News Service reports, was one of nearly 200 people and entities who contributed $1.27 million to Tallahassee-based political action committee Let's Get to Work during the week of March 25-March 29. The name is based on Scott's 2010 jobs-focused campaign theme.

Benderson Development, with a headquarters in east Manatee County, is one of the largest commercial real estate firms in the country. The firm is behind The Mall at University Town Center, a $315 million, 880,000-square-foot development near University Parkway and Interstate 75. In addition to real estate, the firm, through the beliefs of its late founder, Nathan Benderson, is one of the leading philanthropic companies in the region. Randy Benderson is Nathan Benderson's son.

Randy Benderson's donation was one several six-figure contributions Let's Get to Work received last week. The largest donation, $500,000, came from Treasure Island-based William L. Edwards Trust, which the News Service says is an “entertainment and mortgage refinancing giant.”

Other big donations, according to the News Service, include $125,000 from Vero Beach resident Robert Stork; $100,000 from the Florida Freedom Council; $100,000 from U.S. Sugar in Clewiston; and $100,000 from Leon Advertising & Public Relations of Miami. Donations of $50,000 each were received from West Palm Beach developer E. Llwyd Ecclestone and a trust for Board of Education appointee Gary Chartrand.

The flurry of donations to Let's Get to Work in the last week of March raised the 2013 total to $3.53 million. The organization raised $4.79 million in 2012, the News Service says.

The officially announced Democratic opponent in the 2014 gubernatorial race against Scott, Nan Rich, will release first quarter fundraising data April 10, the News Service says. Rich, of course, will also be battling former Republican Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, now a Democrat, who has publicly stated a desire to win back the office.