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In my vision for our county, I see a prosperous community where my wife and I and our children will be proud to call home for years to come. With your help, we can show others how our conservative values are the key to success in Florida. Please consider helping our campaign by volunteering your time or donating your resources. Any and all assistance will be sincerely appreciated.
Jake Raburn, for State Representative, District 57
Hillsborough County Native
Jake Raburn is a native of Hillsborough County. Jake was born in Tampa and raised in Plant City. A product of the public education system, he graduated from Plant City High School before attending the University of Florida in Gainesville. After four years at the University of Florida, Jake obtained a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communication with minors in Food & Resource Economics and Agricultural Law. While in college Jake worked for the Florida FFA Association (formerly Future Farmers of America), the University of Florida Athletic Association and the National FFA organization. His education also gave him the opportunity to learn about agricultural policy and production in foreign countries by visiting Egypt to study agriculture in the Middle East.
Accomplishments
As a student at UF, Jake was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, a member of Florida Blue Key, a Student Government leader and a J. Wayne Reitz Scholar. He was recognized for his leadership by being inducted into the University of Florida’s Hall of Fame as an undergraduate.
Work Experience
After graduation, Jake went to work for the Florida Department of Citrus. As a marketing specialist with the state agency, he learned the ins and outs of the Citrus Industry. After two years there, Jake had the opportunity to go to work for Hinton Farms Produce, Inc. Hinton Farms, his wife’s family farming operation, is a producer, packer, cooler & shipper of strawberries, blueberries and other fruits and vegetables grown right here in District 57. Jake works in sales, serves as Director of Marketing, and previously served as the Director of Food Safety for the company.
Community Involvement
In the community, Jake serves on the Board of Directors with the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, serves on the Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Committee, serves on the marketing committee of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, and serves as a Director on the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Board. Jake is also a member of the Plant City and Brandon Chambers of Commerce and has been a member of Plant City’s First Baptist Church for 17 years. Supporting local charities and healthy living, Jake has also participated in numerous road races and triathlons such as Richard’s Run for Life, Tampa Police Memorial Run and Gasparilla Half-Marathon. In October, he completed his first Ironman 70.3 triathlon.
The Raburn Family
Family Man
Jake’s family is rooted here in Hillsborough County. Numerous members of Jake’s family are educators and administrators in the Hillsborough County School District, including his parents – Buddy and Susan Raburn. Growing up surrounded by educators, Jake realizes how critical it is to support our local schools and empower students, who are our community’s future leaders. He also has a deep respect for law enforcement, as his brother is a Sergeant with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Jake has been married to Melissa Hinton Raburn of Riverview since May of 2008. Melissa, a former teacher and coordinator of the Banner Center for Agriscience, is now a small business owner and stay-at-home mother to their son, Jackson, born June 29, 2011.
