As City Councilman for District 1, Arlington, the goals of Lake Ray III, are to connect people within the community and ensure governmental fiscal responsibility.  Lake's vision is to link people by using existing business organizations, neighborhood associations and the religious community to swiftly address the concerns of Arlington and Jacksonville. He realizes that being a council member takes integrity, progressive thinking and initiative to effectively serve the community.

Lake's plan also includes a strong stance that the government must be run efficiently as a business, making sure that taxpayers' money is wisely spent. As the South Atlantic Regional Manager with HPA, Inc., a maritime engineering firm, his career has given him the experience of running a successful business, which helps him in making decisions that affect the community.

He was born in Jacksonville in 1956, attending Arlington Elementary, Ft. Caroline Junior High and Terry Parker High School, where he graduated in 1974. He then attended St. Johns River Junior College in Palatka, graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree followed by a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, from the University of Florida in 1981. He was employed with Harbor Engineering Company upon graduation and became a registered professional engineer in the State of Florida in 1987.

Active in community service, Lake's experience involves the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (City of Jacksonville), Exchange Club (Past President), Greater Arlington Civic Council, Jacksonville Maritime Museum Society, Southside Businessmen's Club, Florida Engineering Society, National Society of Professional Engineers, and Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout).

Lake has been married 24 years and has three sons. He and his wife share community concerns such as combating crime, restoring decency, improving schools and the environmental quality in our area. They are members of Cross Roads United Methodist Church.

Lake says, "The best way we can make a difference is to get involved in our communities and government."

Following his service on the Jacksonville City Council, Lake Ray was elected to the Florida Legislature in 2008.