Lauralee Westine and Bob Gualtieri
photography by win wolloff
Lauralee is an attorney who began her career as an
Assistant State Attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit under
State Attorney Bernie McCabe. She now primarily practices
zoning, permitting and other local government matters
in the state of Florida. She is a graduate of the University
of Florida and the Stetson University College of Law and
Graduate School of Business. Lauralee has served on
several not-for-profit boards, such as the YMCA of the
Suncoast. She is now a trustee at St. Petersburg College
and the chair of the Pinellas County Local Planning
Agency. She is also the secretary of the Foundation board
of ARC Tampa Bay (formerly UPARC) and is on the
board of the Pace Center for Girls Pinellas.
Lauralee is married to Bob Gualtieri, the Sheriff of
Pinellas County. He graduated with high honors from
Eckerd College and cum laude from Stetson University
College of Law. Bob is an active member of state and
national organizations that affect law enforcement policy
and serves on the board of directors of community
organizations, such as Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast,
Pinellas Homeless Leadership Board, and the Sheriff’s
Police Athletic League.
Lauralee and Bob have been married for 17 years and
have three daughters, Jordanna, Christina and Lauren.
Why do you live here?
Lauralee: The Tampa Bay area is the perfect
combination of urban and suburban living
with the water just a short distance away.
Bob: Great weather, the water, and access to
professional sports.
At what do you excel?
Lauralee: Focusing on issues and problem solving.
Bob: Time management.
What is your favorite word?
Lauralee: Tough call, either “peace” or “kindness.”
Bob: “Integrity.”
What provides you with pleasure?
Lauralee: Being with my family; but, particularly,
sitting with my dad at Two Georges, a restaurant
on the Intracoastal in Boynton Beach, with a
glass of wine.
Bob: Hanging out with my wife and youngest
daughter Lauren, and having my older
daughters come home to visit.
How do you relax?
Lauralee:While some folks would tell you I never
relax, I enjoy taking time in the morning to
work out. It clears my head before I start
my day.
Bob: Going to the gym, and watching sports
and the Food Network (Chopped) with my
daughter Lauren.
Who is your role model?
Lauralee: My parents. They have shown me that
you can accomplish great things quietly.
Bob: Everyone who has a strong work ethic, is
self-made, humble and remembers from where
they have come.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Lauralee: From my Dad – “Smile a lot and trust
no one.”
Bob: “Live and let live.”
Why do you do what you do?
Lauralee: I enjoy it!
Bob: Because I believe I can make a difference
and contribute to insuring our community is a
safe place to live and work.
What don’t people know about you?
Lauralee: I play a mean game of Galaga (a video
game from the ‘80s). I bought myself the
standup arcade game for my anniversary some
years ago.
Bob: We live on an “urban farm” with three dogs,
two cats, two rabbits, seven guinea pigs, an
axolotl (salamander), and who knows how
many fish.
What are your favorite words of wisdom?
Lauralee: “Less is more.”
Bob: “Treat people right; treat them fairly; but
hold them accountable.” 9
158 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2015