Governor Bush joins President at White House to take historic action protecting Florida from drilling (2002)

Image Number: PT05064

Accompanying note: "At the White House, President George W. Bush made an unprecedented commitment to Florida Governor Jeb Bush, protecting both Florida's beaches and the Everglades from oil and gas drilling."

Governor Bush speaking about the Lake Okeechobee & Estuary Recovery Plan (2005)

Image Number: PT05056

Accompanying note: "Governor Jeb Bush, joined by Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, Senator Ken Pruitt and Representative Joe Negron on the shores of Lake Okeechobee, today unveiled a comprehensive plan to accelerate restoration and recovery of the largest freshwater lake in the southeast."

Fort Mose groundbreaking with Lorenzo Laws (2006)

Image Number: PT05050

Accompanying note: "In celebration of Black History Month, Governor Jeb Bush today joined the Department of Environmental Protection to break ground on the Fort Mose Visitor Center. The 3,600 square foot center will include exhibits, lectures, audio/visual presentations, artifacts and other archeological finds to allow visitors to experience a realistic interpretation of Fort Mose. The earliest known free African American settlement in the United States, Fort Mose is one of Florida's most notable African American heritage sites."

Governor Jeb Bush posing with Babcock Ranch cowboys: Punta Gorda, Florida (2006)

Image Number: PT05042

Accompanying note: "...Governor Jeb Bush [signing] the Babcock Preservation Act, taking the State a step closer to completing one of the largest and most unique conservation purchases in Florida's history."

Senate President Toni Jennings

Image Number: PT04014

Jennings became Florida's first female lieutenant-governor, when Governor Bush chose her in February 2003 to replace Frank Brogan, who resigned the lieutenant-governorship to become a university president.

Rep. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, center, debates in opposition to an inadequate education funding proposal considered on the House floor during the 2003 Legislature

Image Number: MF1224

From an end to affirmative action in college admissions to Bush's A+ Plan which created grades for school performances based on the newly devised FCAT test to tuition vouchers and the popularly voted Constitutional amendment restricting class sizes, Bush faced both praise and criticisms for his proposals and actions regarding Florida's schools.

Governor John Ellis Bush and cabinet : Tallahassee, Florida (2001)

Image Number: PT04731

Seated in front (L-R): Secretary of State Katherine D. Harris (R), Governor Bush, Treasurer Charles Thomas Gallagher III (R). Standing: Comptroller Robert F. Milligan (R), Attorney General Robert A. Butterworth (D), Commissioner of Education Charles J. Crist Jr. (R), Commissioner of Agriculture Terry L. Rhodes (R).

Governor John Ellis Bush and cabinet: Tallahassee, Florida (2002)

Image Number: PT04725

Pictured is the last Executive Cabinet to include the Secretary of State, Comptroller, Commissioner of Education, and Treasurer. Changes to the state constitution by popular vote shrunk the Cabinet to only four elected posts: Governor, Commissioner of Agriculture, Attorney General, and Chief Financial Officer (a combination of the Comptroller and Treasurer). The remaining positions were removed from the Cabinet and converted to gubernatorial appointive positions. Seated in front (L-R): Secretary of State James C. Smith (R), Governor Bush, Treasurer Charles Thomas Gallagher III (R). Standing: Comptroller Robert F. Milligan (R), Attorney General Robert A. Butterworth (D), Commissioner of Education Charles J. Crist Jr. (R), Commissioner of Agriculture Charles H. Bronson.

David Ramsay making presentation for Florida High Speed Rail Commission (1988)

Image Number: MF0198

After many years of speculation, Florida voters passed a referendum in 2000 to create a high speed rail system. Citing a lack of funds, Bush refused to fund it. Finally, in 2004, voters repealed the referendum by 64% of the vote.

Governor Charlie Crist

Image Number: PT04729

On 2 January 2007, Crist, a former state legislator, and both a Commissioner of Education and Attorney general during Jeb Bush's two gubernatorial terms, became Florida's 44th Governor.