Rep . Shane Abbott , District 5
1 . Briefly tell us about your professional background . I am a pharmacist that graduated from University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 1998 . I returned back home to DeFuniak Springs to work for a hometown , independent pharmacy . In 2006 , I and a business partner opened our own pharmacy , The Prescription Place , in DeFuniak Springs . In 2015 , we opened our second location in Niceville , Florida . I enjoy the independent setting and the ability it allows me to take care of those in my community .
5 . What is your favorite travel location ? My favorite travel location has been Gainesville , Florida , where my kids were attending college , which will now change to Clearwater , where my daughter now attends college .
6 . What are you currently reading ? The Bible .
7 . Grill master or reservations ? I am both grill master AND reservations . I love to utilize my smoker and try different rub combinations and seasonings on the grill . But , I also love , after a long , exhausting day , to go out to eat and relax .
8 . What is your favorite movie ? John Wick 9 . Do you have any “ guilty pleasure ” TV Shows ? The First 48 hours
10 . What is your business philosophy ? Treat people like they are your family members , and it doesn ’ t matter what I accomplished yesterday , it only matters what I can accomplish today and tomorrow .
11 . What are your hobbies or interests outside of work ? Hunting , fishing and operating equipment .
12 . If you could have dinner with anyone , living or deceased , who would it be and why ? Jesus , He has all the answers to everything I would love to be at the table with the one who saved me .
13 . What is your favorite book ? The Bible . 14 . Do you have any pets ? One cat and one dog , Bullet , that we got on the campaign trail at an FFA fundraiser . 15 . What is the first concert you attended ? Garth Brooks in Tallahassee .
16 . Which actor do you most look like ? Not an actor , but many have said that I look similar to Joel Osteen and former Congressman Trey Gowdy .
17 . What is the secret to your success ? No secret to success ; just plain and simple hard work , and put others before myself .
18 . What would be your dream vacation ? My dream vacation would be anywhere , as long as I didn ’ t have to think about my responsibilities during the vacation .
19 . What is the one thing about you no one would guess ? I love to analyze people and their behaviors . 20 . What is your favorite college or pro team ? UF Gators , GO GATORS !!!
21 . Campfire or fireplace ? Campfire . I love being out in nature with the quietness and tranquility of staring into a night sky . I also love family bonding time making smores and telling stories .
22 . What was the first car you drove ? A 1986 green Ford Ranger .
17 Ditchmen September / October
2 . What inspired you accept this elected position ? Politics and being a state representative were never on my radar . After several members of the community inquired about me running , I responded with , “ I will pray about it .”. I was confident this position was not in my future . Our family prayed about it for three months , all the time I was trying to close the door on the possibility . As a family , we weighed out all the pros and cons , and in the end felt the Lord wanted me to serve in this capacity to be able to help others .
3 . What is your educational background ? High School : Baker High School – 1993 ; Junior College : AA from Pensacola Junior College – 1995 ; Pharmacy Degree – Bachelors in Pharmacy , University of Florida College of Pharmacy - 1998
4 . What was your first job ? My first job was a cart boy at Food World .