a look at...
Chris and Shannon Sprowls
Photography by Win Wolloff
Chris Sprowls is a Republican legislator, attorney, and
Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, who
assumed the role of presiding officer in November 2020.
He and his wife Shannon have two boys, Prescott and Conrad.
Shannon is a fifth generation Floridian, having graduated
from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in exercise
and sport science and a master’s in business management. She
works for the YMCA of the Suncoast as vice president of healthy
living, and next June will mark 20 years working for the YMCA.
Chris was first elected to represent Florida House District
65 on Nov. 4, 2014. He was re-elected in 2016, 2018 and
2020. He spent seven years as an assistant state attorney for
Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit. He is currently an attorney at
Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney in their Tampa Bay office, and
recently joined the board of directors of Flagship Bank.
Shannon volunteers for Rotary Club, Leadership Pinellas,
Junior League of Clearwater Dunedin and Hunger Action
Alliance. She also is on the national board of directors for the
University of Florida Foundation.
What do you like most about the Tampa Bay area?
Shannon: Living near the water and enjoying quaint towns like
Dunedin, downtown Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs
Chris: In addition to being on the beautiful gulf, we are a
community that truly cares about the success of each other
and our region.
What could you talk about for hours?
Shannon: My Peloton
Chris: Books that I have read
What do you do on your day off?
Shannon: Any chance we get, we take our boys boating to
Three Rooker Island in Pinellas County.
Chris: We love to take the boat out on the water and then have
pizza and movie night with the kids.
Who is your role model?
Shannon: My parents. As a young girl, I watched my parents
work hard and sacrifice much to achieve a better life for their
children. They taught me that the American Dream is within
reach for anyone that is willing to put their mind to it.
Chris: My parents. I learned from my dad’s service, the
meaning of sacrifice and serving the community, and from my
mother, devotion to family. She never missed a sporting event
or field trip.
Why do you do what you do?
Shannon: I have worked for the YMCA for 19 years. I love
being a part of an organization that has such positive impact
on children and families in my community.
114 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Chris: My goal is to protect justice, fight injustice, and be an
advocate that makes a difference. I don’t like bullies in any
capacity, and doing what I can to help those who can’t defend
themselves is important to me.
What are your favorite words of wisdom?
Shannon: Proverbs 3: 5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do
not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do,
and He will show you which path to take.
Chris: Joshua 1: 9: Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened,
and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God is with you wherever you go.
What is your motto?
Shannon: You don’t get what you don’t ask for.
Chris: Win the Day
What is your most fun memory?
Shannon: In addition to the amazing memories we make as a
family – riding in Air Force One with President Trump.
Chris: There is no single memory, but a collection of them ––
music playing while we’re on the boat with the kids, playing
in the pool, barbecues and movie nights.
What would you like to do that you have never done?
Shannon: Spend the night in Cinderella’s Castle
Chris: Visit Yellowstone National Park
What is your idea of happiness?
Shannon: Giving praise to God, spending time with family and
friends, enjoying the blessing of good health
Chris: Spending a day with the family with no place we have
to be
What is your pet peeve?
Shannon: When my boys (including my husband) don’t pick
up after themselves
Chris: People who question people’s motives instead of their
judgment
How would you like to be remembered?
Shannon: As a woman of faith in Christ Jesus, a loving
and supportive wife and mother, genuine daughter,
granddaughter, sister and friend.
Chris: As a devoted husband, father and son. I’d also like to
be remembered as someone who spent my life standing up
for people who could not stand up for themselves. When I
got elected, I wanted to focus on problems that have not been
addressed or had gone overlooked so that I could stand up
for my community and be someone who made hard choices
that may not be realized today but will better our state for the
future. 9