Thank you, everyone, for your trust and support in electing me as your mayor. It is an honor to serve the residents of Panama City Beach.
I ran for office on a “locals first” platform and your belief in that mantra means everything. I recognize the challenges and needs of our town because I’m a product of a tourist town as well. Growing up in Kissimmee, I understand the importance of maintaining our unique small-town identity while playing host to millions of tourists and balancing the needs of the residential and business communities.
We are a tourist economy. You cannot look at our beautiful Gulf of Mexico and deny that. While we know we will always be a popular and favorite destination for visitors, we can prioritize our community’s well-being while maintaining our own unique character. We can have a future where locals thrive. Let’s make it happen, together.
A little about me: While I am a Florida native, I attended Cornell University, where I obtained a Master of Engineering in computer science. My career took me to California, where I worked for tech giant Amazon and Pinterest when it was a new venture, as well as several other startups. I relocated to Colorado, working remotely, when the pandemic hit. The COVID shutdown was particularly pronounced in Colorado, and I found myself longing for the simple freedoms that belong to all of us as Americans.
That’s how I ended up in the South and particularly back in my native Florida, which was a welcoming respite. I chose Panama City Beach because of the friendliness of the community and I helped my parents relocate here too. I love the people here and I love that they come from all around this great country.
I am a Christian, am involved in a Bible study group and have gotten closer to God during my three years here in Panama City Beach. I ran for mayor because I wanted to give back to my community through public service. There is a lot before us, but together, we can achieve a better quality of life for all residents.
Before I close, let me invite everyone to one of the most spectacular shows coming to Panama City Beach. The Gulf Coast Salute Air Show is Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5, with a practice day on May 3, at Russell-Fields City Pier. This event takes me back to my youth when I volunteered to assist my father and the Kissimmee Rotary Club during the Kissimmee air show.
The Gulf Coast Air Show will be the first ever show over our beautiful beaches and the first airshow in Bay County since Hurricane Michael. The City is especially proud to partner with Visit Panama City Beach and Tyndall Air Force Base for this show which will include multiple military demonstrations and civilian performances. We are a military-friendly community and look forward to this massive show of air power. I hope to see you there!
