Congressman dennis ross biography of michael

LAKELAND – Generosity from two of Lakeland’s most prominent business leaders partly led to Dennis Ross’ aspirations to get into politics.

As a young boy, Ross met with Publix founder George Jenkins and Florida Tile founder Jimmy Sikes about a program for boys he wanted to attend in Washington, D.C.

Ross didn’t have the money, so the two men stepped up and paid for the trip.

Those aspirations led Ross into a 26-year career in state and national politics that began in 1992 as a legislative aide. Over those decades, Ross tackled a diverse range of issues critical to Florida.

A conservative Republican, Ross often had to reach across the aisle to find amiable solutions to Florida problems from constituents in the Democratic, Independent and other parties.

Those experiences, ups and downs, defeats and accomplishments led Ross to publish his autobiography: “Reaching Across the Aisle: Reflections on My Experiences in Politics.”

Published Jan.

16, the 149-page autobiography-memoir descri