Hightower to Retire from Florida Blue

By News Service of Florida

Mike Hightower, a major Republican fundraiser who has long led lobbying efforts for insurance giant Florida Blue, will retire from the company Friday, The Florida Times-Union reported. Hightower has been vice president of government and legislative relations for the Jacksonville-based insurer, which is a key player in health-care issues in the state Capitol. Hightower also was chosen last year to serve as chairman of Associated Industries of Florida. Florida Blue formerly was known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.