Municipal Elections

My name is Elyci Gonzalez, and I am running for Haines City Commissioner because our city deserves strong, accountable, and forward-thinking leadership. Haines City is growing rapidly, and the decisions being made today will shape our community for generations. I refuse to sit on the sidelines while that future is decided.

As a community leader, I have worked directly with families, small businesses, and residents who want responsible growth, safer neighborhoods, and a stronger local economy. I understand the real concerns people are facing — rising development, infrastructure strain, and the need for transparency at City Hall.

I am running to ensure growth is managed wisely, local businesses are prioritized, and residents always come before special interests. I will lead with integrity, demand accountability, and fight for policies that protect the character and future of Haines City.

This campaign is about action, responsibility, and putting our community first. I want to be "YOUR" voice.

My name is Jayne Hall and I am self-employed as a decorator in my drapery workroom.   Born in Michigan, I came to Florida in 1987 and after much searching, I settled in Haines City.  My two children followed of which my daughter is a PTA working in Sebring and my son is an eighteen-year veteran of the Haines City Fire Department.  Between them I have 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  When I settled in Haines City, I opened my Drapery/Décor Business which

celebrates 25 years this year.  Since coming to the city, I have been very active including 4 years on the City Commission. Haines City has many issues that need to be addressed with one of my big ones is growing our City Center.  I would love

to be a part of bringing small business of shops and restaurants to the downtown. Let’s make Haines City, a city to be proud of.  I’m asking for your trust and support, please vote Jayne Hall on April 7th , 2026.    Thank you!

Lekia Johnson is a proud lifelong member of the Haines City community and a dedicated servant leader with more than 25 years of experience serving others. She is a mother of three amazing children—two daughters who are college graduates and a son who is currently a junior in high school. Lekia has been married for 21 years to her husband, Ersley Johnson III, and family remains at the heart of everything she does.

A proud Hornet, Lekia is a graduate of Haines City High School and Polk State College. Her commitment to community service began in local churches, where she developed a deep passion for helping others and advocating for fairness, opportunity, and inclusion. That passion has continued to grow into a lifelong commitment to equity, quality of life, education, and arts advocacy for children and families.

Lekia believes in people-first leadership and in building a community where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. She is honored to serve the residents of Haines City and remains committed to listening, leading with integrity, and working collaboratively to move the city forward for generations to come.

Catalina Murillo is a small business owner, community advocate, and operations professional running for Haines City Commissioner because she believes local government should work as efficiently as the people it serves. With a background in corporate operations and technology at a global company, Catalina specializes in improving processes, managing budgets, and fixing systems that are not working.

As a business owner, Catalina understands the real challenges residents and small businesses face, from rising costs to attracting customers, growing sustainably, and accessing the right resources to succeed. She knows that when businesses struggle, families and the local economy feel it.

Catalina is deeply committed to serving the community. She has helped provide over 500 meals to families in need, organized toy drives for children, and distributed blankets and essential items to support vulnerable residents. She is passionate about protecting children, supporting seniors, caring for animals, and being a voice for those often overlooked.
A former homeowners’ association President and current board member, and a mother of three, Catalina brings a practical, solutions focused approach to leadership. She is committed to responsible growth, environmental stewardship, public safety, and building a well run Haines City that works for everyone.

Horace West - Horace was born in Haines City and has been a life- long resident of Haines City

Horace is a graduate of Haines city High School and a graduate of Bethune-Cookman. with a degree in Business.

Horace served on the Haines City Commission for 22 years. Helping to develop the city from a small agricultural town to the verge of becoming a small metropolitan city.

In addition to having a strong background in business, I have a strong commitment to the business community. I endorse hiring a Main Street Director, Bringing in Retail Strategies to assist community businesses by helping implementing programs that will help achieve success.

higher education.

I will work on developing a strategy to deal with traffic issues that disrupt the lives of our citizens.

I will also continue to support our schools by remaining a donor and an advocate for higher education.

I was the founder of the Haines City Easter Egg Hunt, Haines City's Youth Football program, helped develop and make Lake Eve Park a reality.

I helped moved City Hall and the Library to Downtown to Jump start the Downtown revitalization efforts. I lead the effort to acquire the land and develop Ben Gram Park. I was a Co-Founder of the Northeast Revitalization Group. There are many other projects that I been a part of to help Haines City be a better place to live, work and play.

Haines City needs the experience that I can bring in a time when we are transitioning from a small community that now face major growing pains.

I will be ready on day one to start helping to make the lives of all Haines City residents better.

There is no substitute for experience.

My name is John E. DeShane Jr., and I am running for Council Seat #1 on April 7, 2026. I want to take a moment to introduce myself. I am 55 years old, a father of five, and married to my wonderful wife, Dina. I am a US Army Veteran.  I served in the US Army with the 18th Airborne Corps and the 44th Medical Command, including time in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. 

After more than 20 years as a Firefighter and Paramedic, I retired in 2024. My family and I moved to Lake Hamilton that same year because we were drawn to its beauty and charm.  From the moment we arrived, neighbors welcomed us warmly—even before we made an offer on our home.  That kindness made us feel right at home. I want to serve this community in the best way I can.

I promise to be honest and fair with every resident of Lake Hamilton. In my years of public service, I learned to treat everyone equally and do what needs to be done.  I will carry these values with me as your council member. I know there will be tough choices ahead, but I will always act with integrity.  I understand that earning your trust is not easy, but I will work hard to show you that your vote matters.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I chose to run for City Council Seat 1 to serve and support all citizens of Lake Hamilton.  I am running to represent every subdivision and neighborhood in our community.  I am not running on behalf of developers or political interests — I am running for the people. I have chosen to be the difference and to help make a positive difference for Lake Hamilton. I promise to advocate for all voters, not just one group or organization, but for everyone in our city.



I look forward to working for you and your family to help make Lake Hamilton the best it can be.

Marisol Ortega is a candidate for Lake Hamilton Town Council Seat 1. With a background in municipal claims and litigation, including personal injury, she has spent years serving local governments, businesses, and residents across Florida.

She is a dedicated community leader committed to integrity, transparency, and responsible decision-making.



A proud wife, mother, and grandmother, Marisol is passionate about strengthening families, supporting small businesses, and preserving Lake Hamilton’s small-town character while planning responsibly for future growth.

Joshua Collier is a Lake Hamilton resident, husband, and father who puts faith, family, and community first.  He regularly attends town meetings, reviews budgets and development proposals, and has submitted reports to Council on fiscal and growth issues.  With 13 years of operational leadership experience managing budgets, personnel, and financial reporting, Joshua is running for Seat 3 to be a strong voice for residents.

I am Cora Perry a lifelong resident of Lake Hamilton, Florida.  I am a God loving and fearing mother of nine beautiful children.  I am a proud citizen of Lake Hamilton who loves to serve and work for this community.  I have served on the Lake Hamilton council for 20 years and I plan to continue to serve and honor this community.  I am here to make sure the town stays unified,  family oriented, and making sure that the council sticks together.