Ron Bergeron decides not to run for governor

One of Broward’s most colorful figures — developer, conservationist and sometimes alligator wrestler Ron Bergeron — said Thursday he won’t be running for governor this year.

Bergeron had spent much of 2017 thinking about running, consulting with political professionals and talking to friends about the idea.

As the months went on, and the two parties’ primary contests developed, the idea of a Bergeron candidacy looked less likely. On Thursday, with a month until the deadline for candidate qualifying, Bergeron told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that his name won’t be on the ballot this year.

“It was the most difficult decision I’ve ever made, truthfully, to be honest with you. Very, very difficult. I have gotten calls and emails across this state, so positive,” he said.

Bergeron said he’d be concentrating on his passion, restoration of the Everglades, and on charitable work, which recently won national recognition when he received a Horatio Alger Award. “Our family has been here for eight generations. I love this state. I love the people, and that’s why I’m so passionate.”

Bergeron said he’d be talking to various candidates but hasn’t decided yet who he’s supporting for the Republican nomination for governor. The two leading candidates are Congressman Ron DeSantis and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. The primary is Aug. 28.

Bergeron, 74, who was raised in Davie and whose family has been in Florida for eight generations, has never run for office. Now CEO of the Bergeron Family of Companies, he has a rags-

Bergeron