City infrastructure has not kept up with the overgrowth and tourism that has continued in city limits. Our goal should be to amplify our city through sensible actions, clean streets, and projects that do not inhibit daily life for locals.

Holiday celebrations bring our city to a standstill and last year we implemented new plans alongside Sheriff Hardwick to alleviate those pains for locals. There was relief in many areas, but the job is not complete. We must continue to develop plans with the Sheriff’s Department to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for locals and tourists.

The city has partnered with both the state and federal government to implement projects that help improve the protections for city residents from both storm and king tide flooding. Still, residents face issues that impact the safety of their home, vehicles, and persons. As someone who has worked as a flood adjuster, I have the knowledge and ability to pursue changes that will improve the quality of life here in St. Augustine and protect our historic city from future hazards.

Public safety starts before an emergency happens. I’ll focus on safer streets, stronger flood protection, well-equipped first responders, and smart investments that protect our neighborhoods and quality of life.

Our budget and our property taxes have doubled in the last six years, but improvements are lagging. We do not need inflated budgets that drain the local’s financially. We need to pursue fiscally responsible spending and alternative financial pursuits that rely more on those who visit our city than those who live in it.

We need to prioritize partnerships with our state representatives to manage the projects funded through appropriations for our city. The state funded appropriations need to be a priority of the city to ensure timely completion.

Known internationally for our spectacular display of lights, the city becomes inundated with tourists from all over for the holiday season. This can be a positive experience if we work with the county to ensure that a portion of the bed tax is allocated to the city to handle and manage the expenses incurred with the rise in guests.