The state Capitol is still resounding with aftershocks following the abrupt resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll over an extensive Internet gambling investigation. 

But there’s a common reaction among lawmakers, especially those who worked with her in the Florida House before she became lieutenant governor in 2011.

Republicans and Democrats are expressing sadness for Carroll and saying it’s a painful way to leave office after a long career in public service.

Sen. Audrey Gibson of Jacksonville says the news sent her reeling and her first impulse was to say a prayer for Carroll.

Sen. John Thrasher of St. Augustine calls Carroll a great friend.

“I was terribly saddened," Thrasher says. "Jennifer Carroll is a great friend of mine. We’ve lived in the same area for a long time together. I know her family, her husband. She had been a great public servant so it’s saddened me that she had to leave under those circumstances, but confident that she’ll bounce back and things will be good for her.”

Gov. Rick Scott has said he won’t pick a new lieutenant governor until the legislative session ends on May 3.

Responding to a question about the political implications for the Scott administration, Thrasher said, “People go to the polls and vote for the governor, generally speaking, and a lieutenant governor can be helpful, though, in some ways, such as in this process in the Legislature, those kind of things. So I think he’ll look hard but I think he’s doing the right thing to take his time and make sure that he makes a good decision and that decision is helpful to him, but also helpful to the state of Florida and that he finds someone, obviously, that could be governor.”

Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, said, “I’ve just been kind of reeling over the events of both days because there are a number of Jacksonville or local people involved and so it’s really sad for me and, of course, as I’ve told others, my first reaction was to pray for she (sic) and her family because it’s a pretty heavy load.”



Dave Heller is a Tallahasssee freelance reporter/videographer.