Background
Bilirakis, Michael was born on July 16, 1930 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, United States. Son of Emmanuel and Irene (Pikramenos) Bilirakis.
lawyer United States Representative from Florida
Bilirakis, Michael was born on July 16, 1930 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, United States. Son of Emmanuel and Irene (Pikramenos) Bilirakis.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, University Pittsburgh, 1959. Student, George Washington University, 1960. Juris Doctor, University Florida, 1963.
Juris Doctor (honorary), Stetson University. Degree (honorary), University Tampa.
He earned a law degree from the University of Florida. Bilirakis served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Bilirakis has worked in various capacities.
He worked as a steelworker while in college in Pittsburgh and later worked as an engineer
Bilirakis spent the majority of his professional career as an attorney and also taught law classes. He served as a municipal judge in both Tarpon Springs and New Portuguese Richey, Florida.
He made his first run for office in 1982, contesting the newly created and then politically balanced 9th District. He narrowly defeated State Representative George Sheldon by 4,300 votes.
However, he was reelected with 78 percent of the vote in 1984 and was reelected 10 more times, never facing serious opposition.
He even ran unopposed in 1988, 1994, 1998 and 2004. Bilirakis retired in 2006. In August 2009, Bilirakis was added to Governor Charlie Crist"s short list to Replace United States. Senator Mel Martinez.
Member Republican Task Force on Social Security. Co-chairman Task Force on Infant Mortality. Founder, charter president Tarpon Springs Volunteer Ambulance Service.
Director Greek Studies program University Florida. Director emeritus Juvenile Diabetes and Hospice. Member President' Council University Florida Sergeant United States Air Force, 1951-1955.
Member American Legion (Commander 1977-1979), Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvets, United States Air Force Sgts., NCOA, Air Force Association, Greater Tarpon Springs Colorodo of C. (past president, director), Pinellas Chamber of Commerce (governor), West Pasco Bar Association, American Judicature Society, Florida Bar Association, Gator Boosters, Florida Blue Key (honorary), Mason (33 degree), Shriner, Jester, Moose, Elks, Rotary, Eastern Star, Phi Alpha Delta, Sigma Pi. Lodges: Masons; Shriners. Moose; Tarpon Springs Rotary.
Elks; Eastern Star; White Shrine of Jerusalem. American Bar Association.
Married Evelyn Miaoulis, December 27, 1959. Children: Emmanuel, Gus.