1. The son of Greek immigrants, Bilirakis was born in Tarpon Springs, Florida but spent his childhood in Clairton, Pennsylvania.
11 Facts About Michael Bilirakis
1. 2.
Michael Bilirakis graduated from Douglas Business College in McKeesport, Pennsylvania in 1949.
3.
Michael Bilirakis received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1959 where he was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity.
4.
Michael Bilirakis earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1963.
5.
Michael Bilirakis served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War era and rose to the rank of staff sergeant.
6.
Michael Bilirakis made his first run for office in 1982, contesting the newly created 9th District.
7.
Michael Bilirakis defeated State Representative George Sheldon by 4,300 votes.
8.
Michael Bilirakis was reelected with 78 percent of the vote in 1984 and was reelected 10 more times, never facing serious opposition.
9.
Michael Bilirakis ran unopposed in 1988,1994,1998 and 2004.
10.
Michael Bilirakis played a key role in enactment of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act and re-authorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act.
11.
Michael Bilirakis was the lead congressional sponsor of The Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2002 and authored the Organ Donation Improvement Act.