Lars Hafner, Neighbor

Lars Hafner is a passionate innovator in the realm of public service and education. Having served for 12 years as an elected state representative, he was a member of the Florida House Appropriations Committee, he worked tirelessly to write, negotiate, debate and pass a multi-billion dollar budget each year of service. Lars' work earned him a Lifetime Legislative Achievement Award.

Currently, Lars works as the political analyst for WTSP Channel 10, Tampa Bay's CBS affiliate in the 11th largest media market. In this role, he does on air analysis of federal, state, and local politics on both policy issues and campaigns.

Raised in St. Petersburg Florida, Lars Hafner received an Associate of Arts degree from the St. Petersburg Junior College, a bachelor's degree from State University of New York at Buffalo and a master's degree from the University of Maryland. He also holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Education/Higher Education Administration from Barry University.

Lars also served as President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, that area's oldest and largest public institution. He is also the Creator of State College of Florida Collegiate School, a first of its kind program that allows the opportunity for middle school to high school students to graduate with a high school diploma as well as an Associate of Arts degree.