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'''Kevin Ambler''' (born March 10, 1961) is a an American attorney, based in [[Tampa]], Florida. He is currently the senior partner at The Ambler Law Group, which focuses on Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Business Law, Construction Litigation, Business Arbitration & Mediation and Government Affairs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amblerlaw.com/practice-areas/ |title= Practice Areas|publisher=Ambler Law}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Ambler previously served as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] member of the [[Florida House of Representatives]] from 2002-2010, representing the 47th House District, located in the northwest portion of [[Hillsborough]] county. The 47th House District is composed of the communities of Carrollwood, Cheval, Citrus Park, Forrest Hills, Keystone, Lutz, Northdale and Odessa. During his tenure in the Florida House, Ambler served as Chairman of multiple committees, including the Joint Legislative Sunset Advisory Committee, Health Care Appropriations Committee and Public Safety & Domestic Security Policy Committee. Ambler was also selected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4272&SessionId=64|title=Representative Kevin C. Ambler|publisher=Florida House of Representatives}}</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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Kevin Ambler was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Palm Springs, California by his mother, a police officer. Ambler and his family moved to Florida in 1986, when he was transferred from an Air Force base in Southern California to MacDill Air Force Base.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/News/102101/Northoftampa/Republican_lawyer_to_.shtml|title= Republican lawyer to seek House seat|publisher=Saint Petersburg Times}}</ref> |
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He is married to Mindy Hanopole and has two children, Jason Ambler and Jami Ambler. |
He is married to Mindy Hanopole and has two children, Jason Ambler and Jami Ambler. |
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===Education=== |
===Education=== |
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Kevin Ambler attended Cornell University on |
Kevin Ambler attended [[Cornell University]] on an Air Force ROTC Scholarship. While an undergraduate, Ambler rushed the Phi Alpha Omega Fraternity eventually serving as President. In 1983 Ambler received his Bachelor of Science in Economics. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the [[United States Air Force]]. |
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==Military service== |
==Military service== |
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Shortly after graduating law school, Kevin Ambler was appointed as an Air Force Judge Advocate and was assigned to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, MacDill Air Force Base. Ambler was stationed at MacDill for nearly five years, and served in several positions including: Chief of Claims, Chief of Legal Assistance, Chief of Military Justice and Chief of the Civil Law division. During this time, he was also appointed by the U.S. Attorney General as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and was responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in federal court against civilians arising on MacDill AFB. Later, his responsibilities expanded to defending the United States in federal court in medical malpractice and personal injury cases arising under the Federal Tort Claims Act. |
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Ambler transferred to the Air Force Reserves in 1991. During his first year as a Reservist, Ambler was awarded the Harmon Award by the Air Force Judge Advocate General as the Most Outstanding Reserve Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force. |
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Air Force Recognition Ribbon (USAF Harmon Award for Top Reserve Judge Advocate) |
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Kevin Ambler began his career in private practice as a litigation attorney in 1991. In 1996, he opened his own firm, The Law Offices of Kevin C. Ambler. |
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Ambler is admitted as a member of the Florida, Georgia and D.C. Bars and is a member of the American Bar Association, Hillsborough County Bar Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Middle District Court of Florida. |
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"Right Stuff" Award – Outstanding Jr. Officer, 56th Combat Support Group |
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In 1997, Ambler launched the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s (HCBA)"Ask a Lawyer" program. The program, which airs once a month, features lawyers who answer legal questions from telephone callers. In March 2002, Ambler received the HCBA “Have a Heart” award for outstanding pro bono service. |
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Tactical Air Command Judge Advocate of the Year |
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Ambler previously served as the Chair of the Florida Bar Military Affairs Committee (2002-2003) and Chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s (HCBA) Military Liaison Committee (2002-2003). He has chaired the HCBA Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law Section for three of the last five years. |
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Representative Ambler began his career in private practice as a litigation attorney in 1991. In 1996, Representative Ambler opened his own firm, The Law Offices of Kevin C. Ambler, P.A., focusing in the areas of medical malpractice, products liability, wrongful death and personal injury litigation in both state and federal courts. His firm also handles complex business litigation and transactional matters as well as entertainment and sports law. |
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Representative Ambler is a member of the Florida, Georgia and D.C. Bars and the American Bar Association, Hillsborough County Bar Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Middle District Court of Florida. He previously served as the Chair of the Florida Bar Military Affairs Committee (2002-2003) and Chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s (HCBA) Military Liaison Committee (2002-2003). He has chaired the HCBA Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law Section for 3 of the last 5 years and he has been a regular and active participant in the HCBA “Ask A Lawyer” Pro Bono Program for over 7 years. In March 2002, he received the HCBA “Have a Heart” award for outstanding pro bono service. Representative Ambler and his firm hold an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell National Law Directory. |
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Ambler and his firm hold an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell National Law Directory. |
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==Political career== |
==Political career== |
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Kevin Ambler previously served on the Northdale Special Tax District board for seven years, holding the position of President for six of those years. |
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Ambler also served on the 14-member Hillsborough County Charter Review Board, which recommends changes to the county charter meant to create better government. |
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In 2002, Ambler ran for the District 47 seat in the House of Representatives. He subsequently won re-election in 2004, 2006 and 2008. |
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Although credited by fellow legislators for showing brains and hard work in his first term in office, Ambler exhibited an independent streak that rubbed some conservatives the wrong way. One of them was House Speaker Johnnie Byrd (R-Plant City), whom Ambler challenged on medical malpractice reform. Ambler enjoyed a better with incoming House Speaker Allan Bense (R-Panama City), who raised funds for Ambler's re-election. "He's a very good lawyer, he's a very articulate speaker," Bense said. "I think he has done a good job representing his constituents in Tampa." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/24/Knowyourcandidates/District_47_State_Hou.shtml|title=District 47 State House |publisher=Saint Petersburg Times}}</ref> |
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On April 29, 2003, Kevin Ambler passed House Bill 1475, The Florida Uniformed Servicemembers Act (FUSPA). The FUSPA provides protections to members of the military who are deployed in the defense of the United States. The FUSPA addressed several areas of concern that the Legislature felt were necessary to protect Florida's military personnel. The FUSPA also amplified and provided additional protections to those provided by Federal law and expanded protections to include several areas not covered by Federal law. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=10717|title= HB 1475 CS - Military Affairs|publisher=Florida House of Representatives}}</ref> |
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In 2004, Ambler created the “Ought to be a Law” (OTBAL) Student Legislation Program. The program was the first of its kind in the United States, offering high school students the opportunity to write, research, and present a real bill before the state legislature. Ambler created the program to give high school students real-life civics experience and allow those students to see how ideas are made into state law. |
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Every year, students from around the Tampa-Bay area present a legislative proposal addressing a specific need or problem to a panel of Hillsborough legislators. Each bill presentation included information about funding, possible opposition and support, mandates and timelines. If an element was missing or an idea seemed unfeasible, the panel let students know. After the initial round of proposals, the panelists selected six of the student-drafted bills as finalists in the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/05/Northoftampa/Lawmaker_for_a_day.shtml|title= Lawmaker for a day|publisher=Saint Petersburg Times}}</ref> Students vote for their favorite bill out of the finalists, after which Ambler and State Senator Victor Crist would file the legislation in their respective chambers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2010/apr/07/hillsborough-students-pass-bill-ban-smoking-while--ar-54015/ |title=Hillsborough students: Pass bill to ban smoking while driving with kids|publisher=Tampa Tribune}}</ref> Selected students from the OTBAL program’s Student Legislation Delegation presented the winning bill at each Committee stop in the Florida House and Florida Senate. |
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On May 6, 2005, Ambler passed House Bill 1659, which prohibited the performing or inducement of a termination of pregnancy upon a minor without specified parental notice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=17456|title=HB 1659 - Termination of Pregnancies|publisher=Florida House of Representatives}}</ref> |
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In 2006, Ambler received the Outstanding Representative Award from the Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers. |
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During the 2007 Legislative Session, the “Ought to be a Law” program made history when House Bill 1161 titled, The High School to Business Career Enhancement Act, passed the Legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist. |
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On March 31, 2008, Ambler (R-Tampa) and Hillsborough County Public Schools Board Members were honored with a first place award in the American School Board Journal’s 14th annual Magna Awards program held at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando. The Association recognized the program as one of the top new education initiatives in the United States. Hillsborough County Public Schools also received a $2 million PROJECT Elect grant for advancing civics education based on the program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kevinambler.com/news/press-releases/PR-OTBAL-3-23-2010.pdf|title= “Ought to be a Law” Students to Present Smoking Bill in House Committee on Thursday at Capitol|publisher=Florida House of Representatives}}</ref> |
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In 2009, the Florida Justice Association awarded Ambler the Outstanding Representative Award. |
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On April 28, 2010, Ambler passed House Bill 7181, the Department of Juvenile Justice’s (DJJ) Juvenile Justice Reform Bill. This legislation reformed Florida’s juvenile justice system by providing greater access to rehabilitative options for troubled children, and addressed the over-representation of minority youth in the juvenile justice system, compared to the general population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/89274277.html|title= Juvenile Justice Reform Bill Passes Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee|publisher=WCTV}}</ref> |
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On April 29, 2010, Ambler passed House Bill 1003. The bill removed the 10 percent disability threshold for Service Connected Disabled Veteran- |
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Owned Businesses to become state certified, bringing it more in line with federal certification requirements. The bill also clarified the existing Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs policy of admitting eligible peacetime veterans as well as eligible wartime veterans into Florida’s State Veterans' Nursing Homes and Domiciliary Home.<ref>{{cite web|url=floridavets.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2010-FDVA-Annual-Report.pdf|title=Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Annual Report|publisher=Florida Department of Veteran Affairs}}</ref> |
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On April 30th 2010, the House and Senate unanimously passed Ambler's House Bill 697, the Entertainment Industry Incentive Bill into legislation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/news/ni1977075?ref_=nmnw_art_plk|title=Florida's film industry is ready for action!|publisher=IMDB}}</ref> |
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===2010 Florida Senate Primary Election=== |
===2010 Florida Senate Primary Election=== |
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In 2010, longtime Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman filed to run against Kevin Ambler in the Senate District 12 Primary Election. Norman had volunteered on Ambler’s previous campaigns for the Florida House District 47 seat and had expressed his intentions to run for the seat when Ambler reached term-limits. Instead, Norman filed to run against Ambler for the Senate seat at the last second.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://floridaindependent.com/longtime-republican-allies-face-off-in-bitter-state-senate-primary-news-politics-media/|title=Longtime Republican allies face off in bitter state Senate primary: News. Politics. Media|publisher=Florida Independent}}</ref> |
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A week after losing the August 24th primary, Ambler sued Norman over a $435,000 house in Arkansas, which Norman's wife Mearline had paid for and which wasn't listed on the candidate's financial disclosure form.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> |
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During the campaign, news broke that Norman had failed to disclose a $435,000 Arkansas vacation home “given” to his wife, Mearline, by Ralph Hughes.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> Hughes was the millionaire founder of Cast-Crete, pre-cast concrete products used in construction jobs around the county.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccfj.net/CORRUPTIONJNinvdropped.htm|title= U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman|publisher=Tampa Tribune}}</ref> The east Hillsborough County power broker benefitted over the years from the county's pro-development decisions and was a longtime friend of Norman.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> |
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Jim Norman has been accused of not reporting financial assets during his Primary Election. Although this is normally something that would generate a complaint to and be handled by the State Ethics Commission, a very crafty Kevin Ambler instead filed a pre-emptive lawsuit to remove Norman’s name from the ballot.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://irreverentview.com/2010/10/30/pinch-your-nose-at-the-polls/#more-2145 \|title=Pinch Your Nose At The Polls|publisher=Irreverent View}}</ref> |
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Mearline Norman used the "gift" to buy and renovate a lakefront house and two boats in Arkansas, which Norman failed to disclose on his financial disclosure forms. |
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The money for the Normans' Arkansas house came from the late millionaire businessman Ralph Hughes<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> |
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Norman claims he had nothing to do with the loan or the purchase of the home. Norman and his attorney failed to explain how Mearline, who is not employed, could buy a home. |
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On July 28, 2010, Ambler received endorsement of Tampa Tribune "...ultimately, Ambler conveys a firmer grasp on the need to deal creatively with Florida's fiscal crisis. And Norman's failure to deal more openly with the Arkansas matter gives us pause. For the Florida Senate, District 12, the Tribune endorses Kevin Ambler."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/jul/28/na-ambler-gets-nod-in-state-senate-race/|title=TAMPA TRIBUNE - Ambler gets nod in state Senate race|publisher=Tampa Tribune}}</ref> |
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In mid-October, Leon Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford ruled in Ambler's favor, tossing Norman from the ballot.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> |
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On August 6, 2010, Ambler received the endorsement of the Saint Petersburg Times: "Ambler, was a solidly conservative voice in his eight years representing the greater Carrollwood area in the Florida House. The former federal prosecutor and judge advocate for the Air Force has a good grasp of statewide policy. He has sensible proposals for cutting the size of government, targeting tax incentives to attract high-paying jobs and improving the quality of teachers. Ambler would subject property insurers to much more rigorous review before they could raise rates, a key concern for a district that is highly vulnerable to hurricane and sinkhole damage. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/times-recommends-for-florida-legislature/1113477|title=ST. PETERSBURG TIMES ENDORSES KEVIN AMBLER|publisher=Saint Petersburg Times }}</ref> |
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A Tallahassee judge found Jim Norman failed to disclose his ownership of a half million dollar house in Arkansas, and kicked him off the ballot. Norman appealed to the first District Court of appeal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Norman_vs_Ambler_in_District_Court_of_Appeal_105822313.html|title=Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal|publisher=WCTV}}</ref> |
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====Salvation Army scandal==== |
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A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal Wednesday unanimously reversed the lower court.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> |
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Questions about Norman’s employment at the Salvation Army arose during the heated primary election campaign. The charity paid him $95,000 a year for work that Norman said is done largely on weekends and provided him with a car. During the 2010 Primary Election, Norman was photographed using the vehicle for political activity, jeopardizing the Salvation Army's tax exempt status. Salvation Army officials stated that donors are complained about Norman being on the charity’s payroll. At least a dozen readers sent letters or e-mails to the Saint Petersburg Times expressing their disappointment in the charity’s handling of the Norman issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theledger.com/news/20101022/hillsborough-commissioners-woes-spill-over-to-salvation-army|title=Hillsborough Commissioner’s Woes Spill Over to Salvation Army|publisher=Lakeland Ledger}}</ref> |
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Ambler lost to Norman by just under 4 thousand votes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Norman_vs_Ambler_in_District_Court_of_Appeal_105822313.html|title=Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal|publisher=WCTV}}</ref> |
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====Norman v. Ambler==== |
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But now Norman is back - the only name on the ballot for the Senate from District 12, with just two write-in candidates between himself and a bitterly contested win. Ambler told Tampa's WDAE-AM Friday he won't appeal the 1st DCA ruling.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> |
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Kevin Ambler first disclosed Hughes' gift to Mearline Norman in a lawsuit seeking to overturn his August 2010 Republican Primary loss Norman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccfj.net/CORRUPTIONJNinvdropped.htm|title= U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman|publisher=Tampa Tribune}}</ref> In the lawsuit, Ambler argued that Norman was not qualified to run because he failed to disclose the gift for the Arkansas home on state ethics forms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccfj.net/CORRUPTIONJNinvdropped.htm|title= U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman|publisher=Tampa Tribune}}</ref> |
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During the proceedings, the Normans testified that Mearline partnered with Hughes, who gave her money to buy and furnish a home. Norman insisted he didn't disclose the house because he doesn't own it and had no knowledge of his wife’s partnership with Hughes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/court-puts-florida-senatecandidate-back-on-ballot/|title=Court Puts Florida Senate Candidate Back on Ballot|publisher=Court House News}</ref> |
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====Jim Norman kicked off ballot==== |
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Kevin Ambler, who lost to Norman by just under 4 thousand votes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Norman_vs_Ambler_in_District_Court_of_Appeal_105822313.html|title=Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal|publisher=WCTV}}</ref> |
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During the October trial, Leon County circuit judge Jackie Fulford stated that she found Norman’s explanation that he knew nothing about the house, “patently absurd,” and ordered him off the ballot. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://floridapolitics.com/archives/188290-jim-norman-speaks-the-former-hillsborough-county-commissioner-is-plotting-a-comeback|title=Jim Norman speaks: The former Hillsborough County commissioner sizes up a comeback|publisher=Florida Politics }}</ref> |
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====Former State Rep. Rob Wallace named to replace Norman on ballot==== |
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As provided under state law, six Republican representatives from Hillsborough and Pasco counties selected the candidate to replace Norman on the 2010 General Election ballot, choosing former State Rep. Rob Wallace. Wallace served eight years in the Florida House from 1994-2002 and was succeeded by Ambler<ref>{{cite web|url=https://irreverentview.com/2010/10/|title=The Water Cooler: Wallace to State Senate; U.S. Senate Debate Sunday a.m.; pathetic pageant participants; October surprise for Rubio?|publisher=Irreverent View}}</ref> |
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====1st District Court of Appeal restores Norman to ballot==== |
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Norman appealed Fulford's decision<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Norman_vs_Ambler_in_District_Court_of_Appeal_105822313.html|title=Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal|publisher=WCTV}}</ref> and a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal reversed the lower court, placing Norman back on the ballot.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> During the appeal, the judge noted that Norman could still face perjury charges, but it is up to the Legislature to remove a candidate from the ballot based on a recommendation of the Commission of Ethics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/court-puts-florida-senatecandidate-back-on-ballot/|title=Court Puts Florida Senate Candidate Back on Ballot|publisher=Court House News}</ref> |
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Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation, Chairman |
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After being reinstated, Norman won the general election against two write-in candidates. Despite the token opposition, however, 45,573 voters cast ballots for someone other than Norman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandymurman.com/2012/06/murman-re-elected-without-opposition/|title= Murman Re-Elected Without Opposition|Publisher=Sandy Murman}}</ref> |
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He is known for his "It Ought To Be A Law" program in which high school teens in his district wrote laws in a competition, and if selected were presented in the House. |
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====FBI and Grand Jury investigation==== |
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After the story aired, the FBI and a Grand Jury began investigation of Norman. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://irreverentview.com/2010/10/28/the-water-cooler-shameless-politicians-edition/#more-2124|title=The Water Cooler: shameless politicians edition|publisher=Irreverent View}}</ref> |
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====State Commission on Ethics investigation==== |
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Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers - Outstanding Representative Award - in recognition of extraordinary legislative leadership & dedicated service to the citizens of Florida 2006 |
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In response to the media coverage, ethics complaints were filed against Norman by Tampa attorney Paul Phillips and by Dover activist George Niemann. |
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According to Phillips’ complaint, Mrs. Norman had no obvious known source of income which would allow for the purchase of a $435,000 lake front home. Phillips’ complaint claimed Ralph Hughes fronted the money and that it constituted either an unreported loan or unreported income. The Normans refused to release their income tax returns to clear the answer to that question. Phillips’ complaint noted that the home was sold to the Normans by Ed Roleson, Jr. a now deceased former Miller Beer Co. distributor. The real estate transaction was conducted around the same time the Tampa Sports Authority (which Norman served on) approved a patio deck in the south end-zone of Raymond James Stadium for Miller Beer. Phillips alleged Norman’s solely listing his wife on the title to the house was “done deliberately to conceal an obvious conflict of interest for Mr. Norman and illegal gift to him and/or his spouse.” <ref>{{cite web|url=https://irreverentview.com/2010/08/20/irreverent-view-exclusive-ethics-complaint-filed-against-jim-norman/|title=Irreverent View exclusive: Ethics complaint filed against Jim Norman|publisher=Irreverent View}}</ref> |
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Florida Justice Association - Outstanding Representative Award - In recognition of extraordinary legislative leadership and dedicated service on behalf of the citizens of the State of Florida 2009 |
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== References == |
== References == |
Revision as of 00:08, 3 December 2017
Kevin Ambler | |
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Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 47 district | |
In office 2002–2010 | |
Preceded by | Rob Wallace |
Succeeded by | Jamie Grant |
Personal details | |
Born | Los Angeles, California | March 10, 1961
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Mindy Ambler |
Children | Jason Ambler, Jami Ambler |
Residence(s) | Tampa, Florida |
Alma mater | Cornell University (BA), Southwestern University School of Law (JD) |
Profession | Attorney |
Website | Official Website |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch/service | United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1986-2005 |
Rank | Major |
Awards | Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award |
Kevin Ambler (born March 10, 1961) is a an American attorney, based in Tampa, Florida. He is currently the senior partner at The Ambler Law Group, which focuses on Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Business Law, Construction Litigation, Business Arbitration & Mediation and Government Affairs.[1]
Ambler previously served as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2002-2010, representing the 47th House District, located in the northwest portion of Hillsborough county. The 47th House District is composed of the communities of Carrollwood, Cheval, Citrus Park, Forrest Hills, Keystone, Lutz, Northdale and Odessa. During his tenure in the Florida House, Ambler served as Chairman of multiple committees, including the Joint Legislative Sunset Advisory Committee, Health Care Appropriations Committee and Public Safety & Domestic Security Policy Committee. Ambler was also selected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation.[2]
Personal life
Kevin Ambler was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Palm Springs, California by his mother, a police officer. Ambler and his family moved to Florida in 1986, when he was transferred from an Air Force base in Southern California to MacDill Air Force Base.[3]
In the 1980's, Ambler made an appearance on the television show Card Sharks, winning one match.
He is married to Mindy Hanopole and has two children, Jason Ambler and Jami Ambler.
Education
Kevin Ambler attended Cornell University on an Air Force ROTC Scholarship. While an undergraduate, Ambler rushed the Phi Alpha Omega Fraternity eventually serving as President. In 1983 Ambler received his Bachelor of Science in Economics. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
In 1986, Ambler received his Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, California.
Military service
Shortly after graduating law school, Kevin Ambler was appointed as an Air Force Judge Advocate and was assigned to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, MacDill Air Force Base. Ambler was stationed at MacDill for nearly five years, and served in several positions including: Chief of Claims, Chief of Legal Assistance, Chief of Military Justice and Chief of the Civil Law division. During this time, he was also appointed by the U.S. Attorney General as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and was responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in federal court against civilians arising on MacDill AFB. Later, his responsibilities expanded to defending the United States in federal court in medical malpractice and personal injury cases arising under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Ambler transferred to the Air Force Reserves in 1991. During his first year as a Reservist, Ambler was awarded the Harmon Award by the Air Force Judge Advocate General as the Most Outstanding Reserve Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force.
Professional Career
Kevin Ambler began his career in private practice as a litigation attorney in 1991. In 1996, he opened his own firm, The Law Offices of Kevin C. Ambler.
Ambler is admitted as a member of the Florida, Georgia and D.C. Bars and is a member of the American Bar Association, Hillsborough County Bar Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Middle District Court of Florida.
In 1997, Ambler launched the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s (HCBA)"Ask a Lawyer" program. The program, which airs once a month, features lawyers who answer legal questions from telephone callers. In March 2002, Ambler received the HCBA “Have a Heart” award for outstanding pro bono service.
Ambler previously served as the Chair of the Florida Bar Military Affairs Committee (2002-2003) and Chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s (HCBA) Military Liaison Committee (2002-2003). He has chaired the HCBA Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law Section for three of the last five years.
Ambler and his firm hold an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell National Law Directory.
Political career
Kevin Ambler previously served on the Northdale Special Tax District board for seven years, holding the position of President for six of those years.
Ambler also served on the 14-member Hillsborough County Charter Review Board, which recommends changes to the county charter meant to create better government.
In 2002, Ambler ran for the District 47 seat in the House of Representatives. He subsequently won re-election in 2004, 2006 and 2008.
Although credited by fellow legislators for showing brains and hard work in his first term in office, Ambler exhibited an independent streak that rubbed some conservatives the wrong way. One of them was House Speaker Johnnie Byrd (R-Plant City), whom Ambler challenged on medical malpractice reform. Ambler enjoyed a better with incoming House Speaker Allan Bense (R-Panama City), who raised funds for Ambler's re-election. "He's a very good lawyer, he's a very articulate speaker," Bense said. "I think he has done a good job representing his constituents in Tampa." [4]
Legislative accomplishments
On April 29, 2003, Kevin Ambler passed House Bill 1475, The Florida Uniformed Servicemembers Act (FUSPA). The FUSPA provides protections to members of the military who are deployed in the defense of the United States. The FUSPA addressed several areas of concern that the Legislature felt were necessary to protect Florida's military personnel. The FUSPA also amplified and provided additional protections to those provided by Federal law and expanded protections to include several areas not covered by Federal law. [5]
In 2004, Ambler created the “Ought to be a Law” (OTBAL) Student Legislation Program. The program was the first of its kind in the United States, offering high school students the opportunity to write, research, and present a real bill before the state legislature. Ambler created the program to give high school students real-life civics experience and allow those students to see how ideas are made into state law.
Every year, students from around the Tampa-Bay area present a legislative proposal addressing a specific need or problem to a panel of Hillsborough legislators. Each bill presentation included information about funding, possible opposition and support, mandates and timelines. If an element was missing or an idea seemed unfeasible, the panel let students know. After the initial round of proposals, the panelists selected six of the student-drafted bills as finalists in the competition.[6] Students vote for their favorite bill out of the finalists, after which Ambler and State Senator Victor Crist would file the legislation in their respective chambers.[7] Selected students from the OTBAL program’s Student Legislation Delegation presented the winning bill at each Committee stop in the Florida House and Florida Senate.
On May 6, 2005, Ambler passed House Bill 1659, which prohibited the performing or inducement of a termination of pregnancy upon a minor without specified parental notice.[8]
In 2006, Ambler received the Outstanding Representative Award from the Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers.
During the 2007 Legislative Session, the “Ought to be a Law” program made history when House Bill 1161 titled, The High School to Business Career Enhancement Act, passed the Legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist.
On March 31, 2008, Ambler (R-Tampa) and Hillsborough County Public Schools Board Members were honored with a first place award in the American School Board Journal’s 14th annual Magna Awards program held at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando. The Association recognized the program as one of the top new education initiatives in the United States. Hillsborough County Public Schools also received a $2 million PROJECT Elect grant for advancing civics education based on the program.[9]
In 2008, The Florida Bar named Ambler Legislator of the Year.
In 2009, the Florida Justice Association awarded Ambler the Outstanding Representative Award.
On April 28, 2010, Ambler passed House Bill 7181, the Department of Juvenile Justice’s (DJJ) Juvenile Justice Reform Bill. This legislation reformed Florida’s juvenile justice system by providing greater access to rehabilitative options for troubled children, and addressed the over-representation of minority youth in the juvenile justice system, compared to the general population.[10]
On April 29, 2010, Ambler passed House Bill 1003. The bill removed the 10 percent disability threshold for Service Connected Disabled Veteran- Owned Businesses to become state certified, bringing it more in line with federal certification requirements. The bill also clarified the existing Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs policy of admitting eligible peacetime veterans as well as eligible wartime veterans into Florida’s State Veterans' Nursing Homes and Domiciliary Home.[11]
On April 30th 2010, the House and Senate unanimously passed Ambler's House Bill 697, the Entertainment Industry Incentive Bill into legislation.[12]
2010 Florida Senate Primary Election
In 2010, longtime Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman filed to run against Kevin Ambler in the Senate District 12 Primary Election. Norman had volunteered on Ambler’s previous campaigns for the Florida House District 47 seat and had expressed his intentions to run for the seat when Ambler reached term-limits. Instead, Norman filed to run against Ambler for the Senate seat at the last second.[13]
During the campaign, news broke that Norman had failed to disclose a $435,000 Arkansas vacation home “given” to his wife, Mearline, by Ralph Hughes.[14] Hughes was the millionaire founder of Cast-Crete, pre-cast concrete products used in construction jobs around the county.[15] The east Hillsborough County power broker benefitted over the years from the county's pro-development decisions and was a longtime friend of Norman.[16]
Mearline Norman used the "gift" to buy and renovate a lakefront house and two boats in Arkansas, which Norman failed to disclose on his financial disclosure forms. Norman claims he had nothing to do with the loan or the purchase of the home. Norman and his attorney failed to explain how Mearline, who is not employed, could buy a home.
On July 28, 2010, Ambler received endorsement of Tampa Tribune "...ultimately, Ambler conveys a firmer grasp on the need to deal creatively with Florida's fiscal crisis. And Norman's failure to deal more openly with the Arkansas matter gives us pause. For the Florida Senate, District 12, the Tribune endorses Kevin Ambler."[17]
On August 6, 2010, Ambler received the endorsement of the Saint Petersburg Times: "Ambler, was a solidly conservative voice in his eight years representing the greater Carrollwood area in the Florida House. The former federal prosecutor and judge advocate for the Air Force has a good grasp of statewide policy. He has sensible proposals for cutting the size of government, targeting tax incentives to attract high-paying jobs and improving the quality of teachers. Ambler would subject property insurers to much more rigorous review before they could raise rates, a key concern for a district that is highly vulnerable to hurricane and sinkhole damage. [18]
Salvation Army scandal
Questions about Norman’s employment at the Salvation Army arose during the heated primary election campaign. The charity paid him $95,000 a year for work that Norman said is done largely on weekends and provided him with a car. During the 2010 Primary Election, Norman was photographed using the vehicle for political activity, jeopardizing the Salvation Army's tax exempt status. Salvation Army officials stated that donors are complained about Norman being on the charity’s payroll. At least a dozen readers sent letters or e-mails to the Saint Petersburg Times expressing their disappointment in the charity’s handling of the Norman issue.[19]
Ambler lost to Norman by just under 4 thousand votes[20]
Norman v. Ambler
Kevin Ambler first disclosed Hughes' gift to Mearline Norman in a lawsuit seeking to overturn his August 2010 Republican Primary loss Norman.[21] In the lawsuit, Ambler argued that Norman was not qualified to run because he failed to disclose the gift for the Arkansas home on state ethics forms.[22]
During the proceedings, the Normans testified that Mearline partnered with Hughes, who gave her money to buy and furnish a home. Norman insisted he didn't disclose the house because he doesn't own it and had no knowledge of his wife’s partnership with Hughes.[23]
Jim Norman kicked off ballot
During the October trial, Leon County circuit judge Jackie Fulford stated that she found Norman’s explanation that he knew nothing about the house, “patently absurd,” and ordered him off the ballot. [24]
Former State Rep. Rob Wallace named to replace Norman on ballot
As provided under state law, six Republican representatives from Hillsborough and Pasco counties selected the candidate to replace Norman on the 2010 General Election ballot, choosing former State Rep. Rob Wallace. Wallace served eight years in the Florida House from 1994-2002 and was succeeded by Ambler[25]
1st District Court of Appeal restores Norman to ballot
Norman appealed Fulford's decision[26] and a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal reversed the lower court, placing Norman back on the ballot.[27] During the appeal, the judge noted that Norman could still face perjury charges, but it is up to the Legislature to remove a candidate from the ballot based on a recommendation of the Commission of Ethics.[28]
After being reinstated, Norman won the general election against two write-in candidates. Despite the token opposition, however, 45,573 voters cast ballots for someone other than Norman.[29]
FBI and Grand Jury investigation
After the story aired, the FBI and a Grand Jury began investigation of Norman. [30]
State Commission on Ethics investigation
In response to the media coverage, ethics complaints were filed against Norman by Tampa attorney Paul Phillips and by Dover activist George Niemann.
According to Phillips’ complaint, Mrs. Norman had no obvious known source of income which would allow for the purchase of a $435,000 lake front home. Phillips’ complaint claimed Ralph Hughes fronted the money and that it constituted either an unreported loan or unreported income. The Normans refused to release their income tax returns to clear the answer to that question. Phillips’ complaint noted that the home was sold to the Normans by Ed Roleson, Jr. a now deceased former Miller Beer Co. distributor. The real estate transaction was conducted around the same time the Tampa Sports Authority (which Norman served on) approved a patio deck in the south end-zone of Raymond James Stadium for Miller Beer. Phillips alleged Norman’s solely listing his wife on the title to the house was “done deliberately to conceal an obvious conflict of interest for Mr. Norman and illegal gift to him and/or his spouse.” [31]
Electoral History
References
- ^ "Practice Areas". Ambler Law.
- ^ "Representative Kevin C. Ambler". Florida House of Representatives.
- ^ "Republican lawyer to seek House seat". Saint Petersburg Times.
- ^ "District 47 State House". Saint Petersburg Times.
- ^ "HB 1475 CS - Military Affairs". Florida House of Representatives.
- ^ "Lawmaker for a day". Saint Petersburg Times.
- ^ "Hillsborough students: Pass bill to ban smoking while driving with kids". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ "HB 1659 - Termination of Pregnancies". Florida House of Representatives.
- ^ ""Ought to be a Law" Students to Present Smoking Bill in House Committee on Thursday at Capitol" (PDF). Florida House of Representatives.
- ^ "Juvenile Justice Reform Bill Passes Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee". WCTV.
- ^ [floridavets.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2010-FDVA-Annual-Report.pdf "Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Annual Report"] (PDF). Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.
{{cite web}}
: Check|url=
value (help) - ^ "Florida's film industry is ready for action!". IMDB.
- ^ "Longtime Republican allies face off in bitter state Senate primary: News. Politics. Media". Florida Independent.
- ^ "Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling". WFSU.
- ^ "U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ "Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling". WFSU.
- ^ "TAMPA TRIBUNE - Ambler gets nod in state Senate race". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ "ST. PETERSBURG TIMES ENDORSES KEVIN AMBLER". Saint Petersburg Times.
- ^ "Hillsborough Commissioner's Woes Spill Over to Salvation Army". Lakeland Ledger.
- ^ "Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal". WCTV.
- ^ "U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ "U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ {{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/court-puts-florida-senatecandidate-back-on-ballot/%7Ctitle=Court Puts Florida Senate Candidate Back on Ballot|publisher=Court House News}
- ^ "Jim Norman speaks: The former Hillsborough County commissioner sizes up a comeback". Florida Politics.
- ^ "The Water Cooler: Wallace to State Senate; U.S. Senate Debate Sunday a.m.; pathetic pageant participants; October surprise for Rubio?". Irreverent View.
- ^ "Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal". WCTV.
- ^ "Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling". WFSU.
- ^ {{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/court-puts-florida-senatecandidate-back-on-ballot/%7Ctitle=Court Puts Florida Senate Candidate Back on Ballot|publisher=Court House News}
- ^ "Murman Re-Elected Without Opposition".
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suggested) (help) - ^ "The Water Cooler: shameless politicians edition". Irreverent View.
- ^ "Irreverent View exclusive: Ethics complaint filed against Jim Norman". Irreverent View.