By james art 
Former Florida legislator Lauren Ousley underwent successful neck surgery Sunday after a serious bicycle accident Saturday, her husband Bill Hollimon published to Ausley’s social media accounts.
The accident happened during a triathlon in North Florida, her husband said in the post. Although he did not name the race, the Panama City Beach Ironman was held on Saturday.
“She’s an integral part of our community here. We all hope for her full recovery,” state Rep. Alison Tant, who has known Ausley for 25 years, said in a phone call to The Phoenix.
A Democrat, Ousley, 61, originally served in the state House of Representatives for eight years before being term-limited. She was re-elected to the House in 2016 and served two terms before being elected to the state Senate in 2020.
Republican Corey Simon defeated her in her 2022 re-election bid.
An attorney, Ousley is a longtime triathlete and is often seen around Tallahassee biking or running or swimming at the gym. According to her law firm’s website, she is a five-time Ironman finisher and has qualified for the 2024 Women’s Ironman World Championship in Nice, France. The Ironman race includes a 112-mile bike ride, a 26.2-mile run, and a 2.4-mile swim.
She practices law with her husband at Hollimon PA in Tallahassee, specializing in nonprofit and election law, strategic advice and statewide consulting.
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Politics is in Osley’s blood in Florida
Her father is Tallahassee attorney DuBose Ousley, who once served as president of the state university system. Her grandfather, Charles Ausley, founded an influential law firm in North Florida (now Ausley McMullen) with his brother, John Ausley, and worked alongside Leroy Collins until Collins was elected governor. Charles Ousley served as mayor of Tallahassee and was also elected to the state Senate.
Loranne Ausley’s mother, Sallie Ausley, co-founded Red Hills Horse Trialsannual equestrian event in Tallahassee.
During his legislative tenure, Owsley advocated for public employees and people with disabilities.
Osley’s work on the latter preceded the birth of her son, William DuBose Ausley Hollimon, who is known as “The Iron Will.” He was born prematurely and has developmental problems.
In 2006, Ausley successfully sponsored legislation that created the Florida Office of Children and Youth.
“We are sending Senator Ausley positive prayers and healing thoughts at this difficult time,” Leon County Democratic Party Chairman Ryan Ray said in a statement to the Florida Phoenix. “We hope for a full recovery for a good public servant and respected leader.”
Osley’s husband said he would post updates as needed. Sending their well wishes to the X post were US Senate candidate Debbie Mukarsel-Powell, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, State Senator Blaise Ingolia, Florida State Senator-elect Carlos Guillermo Smith and dozens more.
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