Johnnie B. Byrd's Biography

Johnnie Byrd is the host of “Johnnie Byrd’s Weekend” – conservative political talk - aired Saturdays at 11am EST on Salem Communications’ WGUL 860 AM Tampa, Florida.

Johnnie served as a Florida State Representative in Tallahassee serving District 62 (R-Plant City) from 1996 until 2004, and served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2002 to 2004.

Speaker Byrd is also an attorney with the Plant City law firm of Byrd & Stitzel, P.A. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Auburn University and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama.

Johnnie Byrd’s firm belief in less government, less taxes and more personal freedom brought him high marks and honors from business, pro-family and conservative organizations. The following reflect some of the recognition afforded Speaker Byrd over the years for championing these values.

1. Speaker Byrd was one of only 40 State Representatives and State Senators to receive “Top Forty” legislator status from the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

2. Speaker Byrd received a perfect 100% rating from the Christian Coalition of Florida received its “Friend of the Family” award.

3. Byrd received the NFIB-Guardian of Small Business Award for a 100% voting Record on issues concerning small businesses.

4. Johnnie was presented with the Legislative Appreciation award by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for outstanding support to Florida disabled veterans.

5. Speaker Byrd received the NRA “Defender of Freedom Award” in 2004 for outstanding leadership in the preservation of 2nd Amendment rights.

6. Byrd received the 2003 Thomas Jefferson Award for protection of Florida taxpayers.

Family means a lot to Johnnie Byrd. His public advocacy of family empowerment is rooted in a strong commitment to his own family.

Speaker Byrd and Melane, his wife of 32 years, homemaker and Auburn graduate (War Eagle!), have four children:

1. Melane Anne Byrd, a United States Naval Academy graduate and naval aviator;
2. Sherer Falardeau, a EMT and graduate of the University of Florida, whose husband, John Paul, is a naval aviator;
3. Amanda Byrd, a junior and criminology major at the University of Florida;
4. Johnnie Bryars Byrd III is a sophomore at Plant City H.S. where he is on the varsity swim team.

Speaker Byrd, Melane and their children are active members of the First Baptist Church of Plant City where Johnnie has served as a deacon and currently teaches Sunday School.