Attorney General's Communications Office Press Release:

Statement from Attorney General McCollum on the Passing of Former Senator Paula Hawkins:

TALLAHASSEE, FL –

Attorney General Bill McCollum issued the following statement on the passing of former Senator Paula Hawkins:

"I have enormous respect for Senator Paula Hawkins, who will forever be remembered as an outstanding public servant, and a determined consumer advocate. My wife Ingrid and I were proud to call her a lifelong friend, and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family in their time of loss."
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CFO's Press Office Press Release:

TALLAHASSEE –

Florida CFO Alex Sink today released the following statement in remembrance of U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins:

“Florida lost a true trailblazer today with the passing of Senator Paula Hawkins. Senator Hawkins was a champion for women and children, and a consumer advocate. I join with her family, friends and every Floridian to mourn her loss and celebrate her legacy.”
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Governor's Press Office Press Release:

Statement by Governor Crist Regarding the Passing of Former United States Senator Paula Hawkins:

“Paula Hawkins’ pioneering spirit earned her the respect of Floridians, her fellow Senators and all who worked alongside her. History books will record her many firsts – first woman elected to statewide office, first female Florida Public Service Commissioner and first female United States Senator from Florida – and from the entire South.

“Paula is fondly remembered for championing the needs of children and women and graciously standing strong for her convictions. She leaves a legacy of determination that serves as a tremendous example for all who serve in public office.”
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WINTER PARK, Fla. (AP) --

Former U.S. Sen. Paula Hawkins, the
first woman elected to a full Senate term without a family
political connection, has died. The Florida Republican was 82.

U.S. Rep. John Mica, a close friend, announced that she died
Friday. He said she'd had been in poor health recently, suffering a
stroke and a fall.

When she won office in 1980, Hawkins became the first woman
senator elected from the South and the first woman from any state
elected to a full Senate term who was not the wife or daughter of a
politician.

During her single term, she positioned herself as a media-savvy
champion of children and working mothers and an enemy of drug
dealers.

She lost her bid for a second term in 1986 to then-Gov.
Bob Graham.