MIAMI SPRINGS, FL — In a major political announcement today, Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds officially tapped Florida State Senator and Miami Springs resident Bryan Avila to run as his lieutenant governor running mate in the upcoming Florida gubernatorial election.
For the tight-knit community of Miami Springs, the nomination is a historic moment, putting one of our own local leaders on the statewide ticket for Florida’s second-highest executive office.
A Love Story and Life Built in Miami Springs
While Bryan Avila’s political career has taken him to the chambers of Tallahassee, his heart has always remained firmly rooted in the clay of Miami Springs.
Avila’s connection to the city is lifelong. He attended Miami Springs Middle School and went on to graduate from Miami Springs Senior High School (Class of 2002). It was during his time at Miami Springs Middle School that he met his school sweetheart, Cindy Gil. The school-yard romance blossomed into a lifelong partnership; the couple eventually married and chose to plant their own roots right here in Miami Springs. Today, Bryan and Cindy are raising their two children, Olivia and Brandon, in the same peaceful, tree-lined neighborhoods where they first met.
Just this past weekend, the Avila family was out in full force celebrating the community. On Saturday, August 22, Senator Avila and Cindy attended the grand unveiling of the Glenn Curtiss and June Bug Legacy Memorial monument at the Miami Springs Circle—joining local residents to celebrate the rich aviation history of the city he proudly calls home.
A Record of Fighting for Miami Springs
Readers of MiamiSprings.com are well-acquainted with Avila’s extensive record of public service. Over the years, our archives have documented his steady rise and his unwavering focus on delivering results for his home municipal district.
- Bringing Home the Bucks: Just last month, MiamiSprings.com reported on a historic $2.65 million in state funding secured by Senator Avila for Miami Springs. This major legislative win included $350,000 to fund senior meals at the Miami Springs Senior Center, $1.5 million for Oakwood Drive roadway and drainage enhancements, and $800,000 for improvements along Westward Drive. This followed years of infrastructure advocacy, including previous state funding sweeps he spearheaded alongside fellow MSSH alumnus, former Senator Manny Diaz, Jr.
- A Commanding Mandate: In November 2024, MiamiSprings.com covered Avila’s landslide victory in the race for Florida State Senate District 39, where he secured a commanding 70% of the vote, demonstrating deep-rooted support across the district.
- Tackling Tolls on the Palmetto: Going back to 2019, MiamiSprings.com highlighted Avila’s legislative fight to remove the heavily criticized express lanes and tolling on the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826)—championing the daily commute of local middle-class families.
Bryan Avila, Manny Diaz fight to rid Palmetto of tolled lanes
- Investing in the Next Generation: Avila has also kept a keen eye on the youth of the community. In 2025, he sponsored local student Ophelia Buñuel for the prestigious Florida Senate Page Program in Tallahassee, providing local students a front-row seat to state government. Just this month, Avila was present to celebrate his alma mater’s new chapter as the former middle school merged into the high school campus to form the new Miami Springs 6-12 Preparatory Academy (or “Miami Springs Prep”).
A Captain in Service
Beyond his legislative responsibilities and family life, Avila’s nomination highlights his deep commitment to national and state defense. Avila has spent nearly a decade serving as an officer in the Florida Army National Guard, where he currently holds the rank of Captain.
Whether balancing active guard deployments, legislative session demands, or municipal events, Avila’s military background has long defined his disciplined, mission-first approach to governance—a quality that undoubtedly made him a standout choice for the Donalds campaign.
As the gubernatorial campaign kicks into high gear, the residents of Miami Springs will be watching closely as one of their own high school sweethearts, military veterans, and local champions takes the national stage.
