Incumbent senators ready for re-election bids

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

With many running unopposed or facing light opposition, 17 incumbent senators have reached the ballot during the first two days of qualifying for this year's elections. Incoming Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, qualified Tuesday in District 25. Others who have qualified are Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, in District 4; Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, in District 5; Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, in District 6; Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Elkton, in District 7; Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, in District 9; Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, in District 10; Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, in District 14; Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater; in District 16; Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, in District 20; Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, in District 21; Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, in District 24; Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, in District 26; Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, in District 27; Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, in District 31; Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, in District 36; and Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, in District 39. Qualifying ends at noon Friday.