Rep. Metz says he has Parkinson's disease

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

State Rep. Larry Metz, a House committee chairman who is seeking an appointment to the Florida Supreme Court, disclosed Monday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Metz, 61, a Yalaha Republican, disclosed the information at the end of an interview with the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission. He said he has known about the condition for a few months and is not taking medication. Metz, who was named last month as chairman of the House Public Integrity & Ethics Committee, said the condition has not affected his ability to work but that he wanted to tell the nominating commission because "it's a permanent part of me." Metz, who runs a law firm in Lake County, has served in the House since 2010 and is seeking a spot on the Supreme Court that will be vacated by retiring Justice James E.C. Perry. "I don't think it changes anything," Metz told the nominating commission while discussing his diagnosis. "If anything, it's encouraging me to plow forward." Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition that affects the nervous system. The Mayo Clinic website said the disease develops gradually, sometimes starting with slight tremors in a hand and then worsens over time.