Campaign Phone
7274405380
Education
Bachelor of Arts with Honors Environmental Studies - Policy, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Professional Experience
Keri has a well-rounded career spanning two decades working in government. Her expertise encompasses human resources,natural resource protection,policy development and direct program leadership, reflecting an understanding of operational effectiveness. Keri is dedicated to service, transparency, and continuous improvement within the public sector.
Public Service
Over 20 years working in public service at the state, county and local levels. Gulfport Board of Adjustment since 2024 and current Chair - Pinellas County Schools volunteer - Student Mentor - Chair, Student Advisory Council 2018-2022, Volunteer Captain Localtopia 2022,2023,2025 - Volunteer Manager Skyway 10K 2018.
My longevity in public service and long-term Gulfport residency makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the council. I am focused on local issues that directly affect the residents of Gulfport.
I know how to manage budgets and ensure important services like police, fire, and sanitation are funded, even if tax revenue drops. Personally, my husband and I chose to start and raise a family in Gulfport because we cherished the small-town warmth. I am proud to call Gulfport home.
One top priority is to finalize the Gulfport resiliency plan to ensure essential services are maintained.
Being resilient is fundamental to coastal communities. My experience in local government provides insight into local recovery planning. I know how to make decisions that support essential services and maintain critical infrastructure. Streamlining permit processes will help residents return home sooner and save them money.
Another priority is continued maintenance and upgrades of city assets that strengthen the city. I will work to ensure our budget supports critical infrastructure and that we remain fiscally responsible.
Response goals encompass several strategies. As a public servant, I know the importance of internal review of recommendations made during workshops, and contained in the Watershed Mgmt Plan and Vulnerability Study. Feedback shared with Council for discussion at public meetings is vital to the planning process. I will thoughtfully consider professional opinions and local input to meet expectations and guide future plans. Issues like rainwater cross city lines and have local consequences. My relationships with local municipalities will foster collaboration and solutions to best serve us. I support proper staffing levels, employee training, and regular review of FEMA rules to properly communicate information to the community.
If property taxes are eliminated, we could see a loss in millions of dollars. Our city is made up of 95% residential and 5% commercial properties. We are not a tourist destination and have limited revenue options.
We are a full-service city that provides essential safety services and walk-in, personal service for residents to discuss utility billing or other issues. Residential input is needed to understand the level of service and quality of life that is expected.
My experience in local government and long-term residency give me a unique perspective to help assess service level options. Consideration can be given to raising service fees instead of reducing city services. The city could also seek grants and push for state funding.
I am a supporter of Home Rule and believe cities should maintain their decision making abilities to best address local needs. The state of Florida is actively trying to preempt the ability of local cities to serve their communities by proposing cuts to municipal revenue, and restricting powers to manage growth by overriding local ordinances. I believe in Home Rule and the city should be able to address local issues locally.
Gulfport is considered built-out and does not have available land for large, high density housing options. Today, many of us have a parent to care for or a grown child that cannot afford to live on their own. We can best support multigenerational living by creating an additional space within the footprint of our residential structures. I believe in streamlined permitting for garage to bedroom conversions or home additions that will support our residents.
I will apply my scientific expertise and holistic approaches to complex stormwater drainage issues. Primary concerns include addressing level of service options, project funding, and coordinating strategies with the surrounding areas. My experience with municipal budgets will ensure funds are properly allocated to support upgrades to the stormwater system to achieve the proper level of service and ensure the drainage system works efficiently. I will seek funding opportunities for future projects that utilize technology to mitigate roadway flooding. Stormwater does not follow jurisdictional boundaries, and I will work with my local network to create a thoughtful strategy to ensure the best stormwater management plan for our community.
Campaign Phone
727-320-6275
Education
Masters of Arts in Applied Anthropology, University of South Florida; Bachelors of Arts, History; Bachelors of Arts, Anthropology, Louisiana State University
Professional Experience
10 years, President/CEO, JW Consultants (clients: Carter Center, Live Tampa Bay - TBP/Fl Blue; Hyperloop; Suncoast League of Cities, Sierra Club Fl, Equality FL, Recovery Epicenter etc); 5 years, Director of Community Partnership, USF's Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships; 2 years, Graduate Researcher, USF Department of Anthropology;
Public Service
2 years, State Legislator, Florida; 1 year, Treasurer, Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce; 10 years, Secretary/Board of Directors, BayPines VA Foundation; 8 years, Vol. Judge, Highschool and Collegiate Ethics Competitions; 5 years, Board of Directors, Gulfcoast Jewish Family and Community Services; 4 years, Board of Directors, Drug Free America
My career has centered on bringing people together across ideological and sector-based differences—a skill proven during my tenure in public leadership. My passion for Gulfport is matched by experience and commitment. Having served in the legislature, I understand how local, county, and state government work together—and how to leverage those relationships to advance Gulfport's priorities. I've called Gulfport home since my twenties. I understand what makes this city unique and how to protect it
1. Overseeing the final stages of recovery while ensuring stormwater drainage and flood mitigation projects stay on schedule is more critical than ever. I'll leverage my relationships to secure funding that safeguards homes and businesses—ensuring Gulfport doesn't shoulder multimillion-dollar projects alone—while also preserving our community's character.
2. Rising insurance and utility costs burden residents. I will ensure we maintain our ISO rating via continued strong fire response and strategic infrastructure to keep premiums low. I’d work to diversify revenue by revitalizing and connecting our commercial sectors—easing the tax burden on homeowners—and fight for the best utility rates.
Through my tenure at the Suncoast League of Cities, I've learned from councils and city managers across the region—insights I’ll bring to Gulfport. Ensuring stormwater drainage/flood mitigation projects stay on schedule and homeowners don’t solely shoulder financial costs is my priority. I'll push for clearer, earlier communication with residents navigating FEMA’s 50% rule—ensuring property owners understand their options before deadlines hit. I'll advocate for maintaining secondary inspection providers and exploring automated options for simpler permits to guarantee timely review. Our city manager's open-door policy and improved website resources are a start; I'll ensure these remain priorities, so no resident feels lost in the process.
Residents deserve to know exactly what their tax dollars protect. Property taxes fund 31% of our budget; police and fire alone cost ~$2M more than property tax collected. Some state proposals pose existential threats to our city—we cannot eliminate property taxes and maintain public safety services.
I would: 1. Work with administration to identify which exemption levels are manageable versus threatening. 2. Partner with our lobbyist to educate the Governor's office on impacts to Gulfport specifically. 3. Launch a resident education campaign so voters understand what's at stake before any ballot initiative. 4. Diversify revenue—similar cities derive only 25% from property taxes by leveraging franchise fees and other revenue streams.
The government closest to the people serves the people best. This principle, attributed to Thomas Jefferson, guides my belief in governance. No two cities are the same—Treasure Island and Gulfport are neighbors, yet each has distinct character. Tallahassee's assault on home rule threatens that uniqueness, eroding ability to control zoning, land use, development, and community aesthetics. One-size-fits-all legislation cannot address our diverse cities' needs.
Through work with Suncoast League of Cities, I've seen how vital accessible government is. Tallahassee is 4½ hours away; Gulfport City Hall is never more than 10 min from your door. I'll fight to keep decisions local - where they belong.
Housing solutions must reflect our city's character and needs.
Listen First: Survey neighborhoods on ADUs, multifamily homes, and live/work developments. This will guide us as we craft ordinances that work for Gulfport.
Get the Data: An impact study on ADU expansion and multifamily home, and live/work developments will help us responsibly incorporate increased density while preserving what makes our city special.
Update Outdated Rules: Many cities have modernized parking and setback requirements to accommodate increased density. Let’s explore these options.
Incentivize Affordability: Explore incentives—including private funding sources—for property owners who develop or rent at affordable rates, particularly owner-occupied properties.
Collaboration: The study confirmed stormwater flows through Gulfport from neighboring cities and unincorporated county regions before reaching our Bay. We should develop regional partners and share the cost of these improvements.
Funding: Beyond state and federal grants, the legislature is rewarding municipalities that collaborate on stormwater and resiliency projects. We should explore public-private partnerships, like Safety Harbor's for improvements in deed-restricted areas.
Project Management: The phased plan presented in 2025 is sound—beginning with projects that build upon one another makes sense for both execution and funding.
Resiliency: I will ensure solutions we invest in work when power is out, water rises, and staff is limited.
