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Hi, I’m Jessica Patel, and I’m running for Holmes Beach City Commissioner.

Since launching my campaign, the question I’m asked the most is:

“Why are you running?”

The answer is simple: I care deeply about this community, and I believe we can do better.

If you know me, you know I’m a doer. I’m the person picking up trash on the beach, volunteering at The Center of Anna Maria Island, and helping wherever I see a need. I serve as Vice President of the PTO, have sat on the School Advisory Council for over four years, and stepped up as Cub Master when no one else did — because I saw how important it was for our kids.

I’m a mom, a homeowner and someone who wants Holmes Beach to thrive — not just for my family, but for all of us who call this island home.

I’m running because I believe fresh eyes, common sense and a collaborative spirit can go a long way. We’ve been stuck in the same conversations for too long without real solutions. I want to change that.

Here is what I'll focus on:

Flooding & Infrastructure

Yes, we’re on a barrier island — but that doesn’t mean we should be driving through a no-wake zone after every storm. The current “solutions” aren’t working. We need to examine what has worked for other coastal communities and apply those ideas here.

Support for Small Businesses

Local businesses are the heart of this island, but they’re struggling to find workers. Why? Because workers can’t afford to live nearby. We need real conversations about workforce housing and how to support the businesses that make Holmes Beach unique.

Disaster Cleanup

Last year’s storms left lasting damage. Our kids still can’t play on the fields. Cleanup was slow and disorganized. I’ll push for faster, better-coordinated disaster response — working with other island cities and the county to make sure we’re never caught off guard again.

Supporting our residents

Our residential population is dwindling, but there are still a small and mighty number of us on the island. I want to work to support these residents, and bring more of them to the island. I also want to encourage this population to get more involved in the city and community, and be someone who listens to them so that we can make this city better for all.

Responsible Budgeting

After the storm, residents were hit again with a proposed millage rate increase. All three incumbents voted for it — then backtracked only after public outcry. They are now saying that by not raising the millage, it was a tax cut. But why did they all vote to raise it in the first place?

I believe in transparency and smart budgeting. We shouldn’t burden residents more when they’re already stretched thin.

Regional Collaboration

We’re not the only city on this island, but we’ve been acting like it. It’s time to work with our neighbors — not against them. By collaborating with other cities, we can find island-wide solutions that benefit everyone

I’m running because I love this place. I want Holmes Beach to be a better, more sustainable, more family-friendly community — for the people who live here now and for future generations.

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Let’s work together to work together!

Thanks so much for your support,

Jessica Patel

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