ABOUT
My name is Michael Syrkus, a near lifelong resident of Martin County and a constituent just like you. I was raised here from my youth and attended school at Jensen Beach Elementary, Stuart Middle School and Martin County High. In the marching band, I played alongside many fellow residents and marched the same parade routes as thousands before and hundreds after. Within the Air Force JROTC program, I developed leadership skills that would open opportunities in both college and the professional world. Upon graduation from Martin County High School, I was accepted into the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps training detachment at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Though medically discharged, I remained at FAMU, studying history, for another 2 years.
I left college prematurely to enter the workforce following the economic downturn of 2008. After relocating to Orlando, Florida, I began what would become a half-decade career in restaurant management spending three and half years at the nation’s second-highest-producing restaurant and another 3 years in specialty and late-night dining. I relocated back to my hometown in 2012, to start a family where I was raised. My wife and I welcomed our first child a year later, and our second two years after that- both born in the same maternity wing as their mother. Shortly after becoming a father, I transitioned from restaurant management to carpentry and construction work- the same field I work in today. After a 15-year hiatus from school, I returned to FAMU to complete my degree through distance learning and proudly walked across the stage at the nation’s top-rated public HBCU. I continue my education today through Liberty University, earning my credits towards a Master of Arts in Public History. When not building, or substitute teaching for my children’s school, I can be found on our family farm raising poultry and tending to bees. Above all, I am always learning, growing and trying to be a better man for my family.