Campaign Phone
727-220-3456
Professional Experience
I have 20+ years of public service experience in dispatching, community development, and code enforcement. I currently serve on Gulfport’s Board of Adjustment, reviewing variance and special exceptions. This combined experience has given me a strong understanding of municipal procedures, administrative processes, & how policies are applied locally.
Public Service
I’ve volunteered in Gulfport helping residents navigate programs like My Safe Florida Home. I’ve taught students about wildlife and sea-turtle-friendly beach lighting. I’ve also helped organize Cash Mobs in Gulfport, bringing the community together and giving back to local small businesses that do so much for our town.
My work in emergency communications taught me to listen first and treat everyone with dignity, especially in a crisis. Serving on Gulfport’s Board of Adjustment showed me how policy decisions affect real neighbors and families. I believe government must be fair, consistent, and protective of those often overlooked. I bring clear communication, steady judgment, and a commitment to equal treatment for all residents.
Flooding is Gulfport’s most urgent challenge, driven by aging infrastructure, tidal influence, and stronger storms. Long-term investments guided by the Stormwater Drainage Study are essential. Housing stability is also critical. Flood damage, rising insurance costs, and repairs threaten homes. If the state reduces property taxes, Gulfport must rely on grants, utility fees, and state funding to maintain infrastructure and keep residents housed. The state must replace lost revenue to protect communities.
Long-term resilience should follow the Watershed Management Plan and Stormwater Drainage Study, with pipe and outfall upgrades and living shorelines to reduce flooding and protect water quality. Recovery must include streamlined permitting, temporary surge staff, and volunteers to guide residents through applications, with a single point of contact. The FEMA 50% rule is strict and especially affects older homes. While it is necessary to prevent repeated rebuilding in flood-prone areas, the city should help residents access mitigation grants, elevation assistance, and relocation options when needed.
Property taxes fund essential services in Gulfport, including police, fire, stormwater, parks, and road maintenance. Eliminating or reducing them would put these services at risk. I do not support cutting services. The state must provide guidance and access to local funding so cities can maintain core services. Gulfport will manage resources responsibly, but the state must support cities in sustaining safety, infrastructure, and quality of life for residents.
Local governments must be able to make decisions that work for their communities, especially small coastal cities facing flooding, aging infrastructure, and housing challenges. State preemption often limits Gulfport’s ability to respond. Home rule should be strengthened so cities can tailor policies to local needs, while the state provides guidance and support rather than overriding decisions that affect residents’ safety, quality of life, and neighborhood character.
Gulfport is built out, so solutions must focus on preserving existing homes. I support connecting residents to Pinellas County SHIP program resources, including zero and low-interest loans for repairs, accessibility upgrades, and storm hardening. The Pinellas County Affordable Housing Directory helps renters and homeowners access emergency assistance and first-time homebuyer programs. Keeping current residents housed safely and affordably must remain the priority.
The study confirms that tidal influence, low elevations, aging pipes, limited outfalls, and pluvial flooding contribute to shoreline flooding. Gulfport must prioritize phased pipe and outfall upgrades while maintaining existing drainage. Nature-based solutions like living shorelines with oyster reefs and salt marsh vegetation reduce wave energy, improve water quality, and protect shorelines. TBEP and county programs provide funding and models. Clear communication with residents about timelines, costs, and benefits builds trust and accountability.
Campaign Phone
7274812953
Education
College Educated
Professional Experience
30 plus years of owning and operating several Businesses in Gulfport
Public Service
Served on various Boards; Chairman Charter review committee for the City of Gulfport, Board member, Vice Chair and Chairman Board of Adjustments for the City of Gulfport, Board member My Foundation, Board member PSA Check, Board Member Skimmer Point Home Owners Association, Director for PYCC Cruising Fleet
A 30-year Gulfport resident and business owner bringing a blend of real world problem solving, community service, and small-business experience rooted in Gulfport values. I’ve worked with Gulfport government for decades in roles such as Board member, Vice Chair and Chairman of the Board of Adjustments as well as Chairman of the Charter Review Committee. I listen first, build consensus, and focus on practical solutions that protect our neighborhoods and keep Gulfport livable for all generations.
Firstly, Gulfport needs to be proactive and have plans in place in case we lose some of our funding due to proposed state reductions of property tax. Of our $21M budget, we could face a shortfall of $3.5M or more if homesteaded property taxes currently flowing into Gulfport were to go away. We need to look at what other Fed/State/County or local funding there is and find any reductions in spending that should be considered.
Secondly, climate resilience and infrastructure strain from flooding and storms threaten homes, roads, and city finances. I propose continuing stormwater improvements, aligning capital planning with climate data, and securing Fed/State/County funds.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton showed the need for stronger preparedness, faster recovery, and clearer rebuilding pathways. Gulfport should invest in storm-hardened infrastructure, improved drainage, backup power for critical facilities, and enhanced emergency coordination. To help residents recover faster, the city should implement expedited and pre-approved permitting for storm repairs, add surge staffing after major events, and provide a centralized recovery team to guide residents through inspections, permits, and funding resources. The city should also advocate for flexibility and clearer guidance on FEMA’s 49/50% rule so homeowners can rebuild safely without unnecessary delays or financial hardship.
Property taxes fund essential city services including police and fire protection, stormwater infrastructure, roads, and parks. Of our $21M budget, Gulfport could face a shortfall of $3.5M or more if homesteaded property taxes were eliminated. To address this, the city would need to explore all other Federal, State, County, and local funding sources and carefully evaluate any spending reductions that could be made without jeopardizing core services, we are blessed to have our own Police and Fire departments.
I believe the state should set broad goals and accountability, while empowering municipalities with the authority to innovate and solve problems responsibly. Florida’s current balance between state and local government often limits a city’s ability to respond to unique community needs. While statewide standards are important, excessive preemption reduces local flexibility on issues such as housing, land use, and resilience. Home rule should be strengthened so communities like Gulfport can make practical, data-driven and faster decisions that reflect local conditions and resident priorities.
Affordable housing has been and continues to be a major issue in our community. On the one hand, it is great that we live in a special city that is coveted by people that visit and that so many people want to live here. The issue for Florida and Gulfport in particular is the influx of new residents has driven our home costs up substantially in the past 5 years, which has in turn increased the costs for rentals as well. As a major employer in Gulfport for decades, I have seen first-hand how difficult it is for my staff to afford decent housing close to our city and their jobs. Many cities are facing this issue and our City Council needs to look at best practices elsewhere and see how we might implement some of them here.
Over the years I have personally witnessed two of my properties flooded from this exact issue. The Stormwater Drainage Study highlights aging infrastructure, limited system capacity, low elevation, and increasing rainfall intensity as the primary drivers of neighborhood flooding. Many pipes and outfalls were not designed for today’s storm frequency or sea-level conditions. The city’s plan should prioritize high-risk areas, upgrade undersized pipes and pump capacity, improve maintenance and debris removal, and expand green infrastructure such as bioswales and permeable surfaces. Gulfport must aggressively pursue state and federal funding and communicate clearly with residents on progress and expected outcomes.
