As a lawyer and former professor, I learned how to handle complex issues with care. As a small business owner, I’ve learned what it means to adapt in an ever-changing landscape. And as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned how important it is to set a vision, test ideas with urgency, and keep listening to the people actually experiencing the problem.
That is fundamental to how I work: listen to the people experiencing the problem, test ideas, learn what works, listen again, and adjust. It is only by listening that we keep improving.
That is the experience and approach I would bring to the City Commission.
The first is resilient infrastructure: flooding, stormwater, utilities, roads etc - the basic systems that allow St. Augustine to function for residents, local businesses, and visitors. This has to be front or foremost in our focus.
The second is an accessible downtown. That means a downtown people can reach and move through safely — with tree canopy, safer routes from surrounding neighborhoods, better pedestrian and bicycle access, and circulators that actually circulate. Not every trip should require a car, especially in a compact historic city.
Improving access is not just about traffic; it is about livability, public safety, local business support, and a better visitor experience.
As a long-term resident with three children in our local schools, and through my time on the Planning and Zoning Board, I’ve had a front-row seat to both what people love about St. Augustine and the real pressures we face.
What makes this city so special is that our neighborhoods, local businesses, history, and beautiful coast all exist so closely together. That closeness is also what creates real pressure — flooding, mobility, infrastructure, accessibility, and preservation — in a city largely designed for horse-and-carriages.
For 3.5 years on the Planning and Zoning Board, including as Chair, I reviewed more than 500 applications from across the city. I saw how city decisions affect residents, local business and visitors.
The pressure of a compact, historic city is real. But in St. Augustine, the livability of residents and the experience of visitors largely depend on the same things: the city’s character, and how well the city functions.
I first experienced St. Augustine as a middle and high school student coming here with my family for the day from Clay County. That is different from experiencing the city as a Lincolnville resident with three children in our local schools. But what shapes both experiences is the same: the city’s character, and how well the city functions.
The truth is, residents and visitors are often experiencing the same city. Residents just experience it 365 days a year.
That matters because St. Augustine’s character is not just a backdrop for tourism. It is the reason tourism works. Our neighborhoods, local businesses, history, and beautiful coast all exist so closely together. That closeness is what makes St. Augustine so unique. It is also what creates incredible pressures around mobility, infrastructure, accessibility, preservation, and neighborhood livability in a city largely designed for the horse-and-carriage era.
The pressures we face are real, and we need to face them together. But we cannot become so focused on managing symptoms that we stop imagining what is possible for the future of this city.
Campaign Phone
6072270149
I have many years of executive experience with a large organization and annual operating budget the same size as St. Augustine's, with equivalent operational and program complexities, competing priorities, and market pressures. I have sponsored and managed large capital projects as well as operational transformation.
The impact of this experience: I created revenue growth and saved costs through a long-term strategic plan.
I believe we go farther together in an economic partnership model, and I've fostered many national, regional and local partnerships with mutually-beneficial outcomes.
I look forward to applying all of these skills to the next St. Augustine City Commission.
1. Transit mobility. For the growth St. John's County and St. Augustine have experienced, we are behind in transit options and incentives for residents, workers, visitors and students. Solutions will require a collaborative effort within our county and state. Small changes can be made now to begin making a difference.
2. City revenues. This next commission must lead the city through potential economic changes that will require considerable analysis and smart, thoughtful decisions. As important, creative thinking and pursuit of new revenues will be essential to continue investing in this city we love.
In addition to the training and experience described previously, my core character makes me an ideal candidate for City Commissioner.
I am a caring and considerate listener, able to hold space for topics about which people are passionate while making well-informed decisions.
I am a transparent communicator that will work to build consensus where possible, and make all effort to inform stakeholders why decisions have been made.
Residential and commercial growth requires increased investment in infrastructure and services.
Collectively, we have not kept pace with the scale of infrastructure and services needed, which is causing imbalances felt regularly by residents and, to a growing extent, visitors.
At the same time, smart development provides jobs, new affordable housing, and an incentive for entrepreneurs to make Northeast Florida their home. The bottom line: this produces new revenue, and new career pathways for young professionals.
Rather than look at challenges as simply over-development or over-tourism, we should focus on the root causes of the unevenness in growth we're experiencing.
If we abandon unrealistic notions and false choices, we can regain a favorable opportunity cost through strong development requirements and proper sequencing. It is not too late to turn this challenge into greater opportunity for all.
Campaign Phone
9047890016
For more than 30 years, my husband and I have owned a small business, giving me firsthand experience in budgeting, fiscal responsibility, and the challenges facing local businesses. Since 2016, I have served as a FEMA flood adjuster, helping families recover from disasters and gaining expertise in flood mitigation, infrastructure, and resilience planning. I have worked with county, state, and federal legislators, serving as Legislative Chair and State Committeewoman, advocating for appropriation - to bring these funds back and policies that benefit our community. For 28 years, I have given back to my community with many organizations- Red Cross, Girl Scouts, St. Aug. High School PTO, AICE program, Defend Florida & Stand for Health Freedom.
I believe the two most pressing issues are providing tax relief through accountable government and addressing flooding with resilient infrastructure. Residents deserve responsible stewardship of every tax dollar. By eliminating waste, prioritizing essential services, and increasing transparency, we can reduce the tax burden while maintaining public safety and city services. I have seen the devastating impact flooding has on families and businesses. We must improve stormwater systems, protect our waterways, strengthen infrastructure, and aggressively pursue state and federal funding. Fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and transparent leadership will protect our quality of life and preserve St. Augustine for future generations.
It’s my lifelong commitment to service, proven leadership, & ability to bring people together to solve problems. I have spent decades working with families, businesses, educators, community organizations, and elected officials to find practical solutions that put people first. My experience as a business owner, disaster recovery professional, advocate, volunteer, wife, and mother has shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to serving others. Now that my three children are grown & successful, I have the time and dedication to focus fully on serving the city I love. I listen before I lead, value transparency & accountability, and will bring thoughtful, balanced leadership to preserve St. Aug. history while planning for its future
Growth can bring opportunity, but it must be managed responsibly. As Northeast Florida grows, St. Augustine must protect its historic character, natural resources, and quality of life while planning for the future. New development should pay for the infrastructure it requires—not taxpayers. We need investments in roads, stormwater systems, public safety, and utilities before approving additional growth. At the same time, businesses can strengthen our local economy, create jobs, and expand our tax base. With smart planning, fiscal responsibility, and transparent leadership, we can welcome businesses without sacrificing the community we cherish.
Residents are concerned about continued growth and its impact on our community. St. Augustine residence wants to ensure infrastructure keeps pace. Traffic congestion, flooding, strained public services, and rising costs directly affect residents' quality of life. Any development must be fiscally responsible, with developers contributing to roads, stormwater improvements, and public safety. We must prioritize preserving our historic character, protecting our waterways, and making decisions that put residents first while safeguarding our community for future generations.
