State Representative Sara Romeo has a long history of distinguished activism and involvement in Hillsborough County.  Her election to the Florida Legislature was the culmination of years of volunteer activities which spanned the gamut from serving as the Chairman of the Board of Ybor City Chamber of Commerce to being President of her children's PTA. 

As a youngster, Romeo worked as a waitress and secretary to help the family out.  She earned an AA from Hillsborough Community College in Business.  She was close to finishing a degree in Business from the University of South Florida when she had to leave college to help support two nieces after their parents were killed by a drunk driver. 

Roemo went to work at the Port of Tampa eventually becoming the first woman Vice President of a steel import business in the Southeast.  After  marrying Walter Romeo, she left the steel business to run a family business – Romeo's Stylish Furniture in Ybor City, and to raise her three children, Walter, Paul and Chloe. 

Her busy personal life did not stop her from becoming involved in the community.  As President of the PTA at her children's middle school, she helped raise $35,000 to build a playground, convinced IBM to donate a truckload of paper which lasted the school two years, and raised money to add to 2,000 books to the school library. 

She then turned her activism to Ybor City.  She organized a merchant's association which sponsored numerous large festivals and events and she became Chairman of the Board of the Ybor Chamber of Commerce.  At the same time, she presided over the the Barrio Latino, Ybor's historic architectural review board.  She reviewed over $235 million dollars in projects, always with an eye to preserving the integrity and rich heritage of Ybor City. 

Concerned about crime in Ybor City, Romeo raised private funds to open a new police substation and got office space and furniture donated.  She also helped raised extra money for horse and motorcycle patrols and she chaired the Committee that wrote the new nighttime curfew ordinance for Tampa youth. 

Now Romeo is serving a State Representative in the Florida Legislature.  During her first session, she was able to pass four bills:

1. The Florida Friendly Landscaping bill which prohibits any new deed restrictions that would force homeowners to plant St. Augustine or drought-intolerant plants. 

2. The Medically Essential Electric Service Act – ensuring that electric service will not be denied to anyone with a doctor certified need for electricity such a those who use monitors or other mechanical assistance.  The bill requires more extensive notice and assistance to those in need. 

3. A Consumer Protection bill to close loopholes, making is easier to prosecute slamming and regulate consumer transactions on the internet, and

4. A bill to put a Temple Terrace resident on the Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council.