Municipal Elections
The Northeast Polk Chamber will host Candidate Forums for The City of Haines City and The Town of Lake Hamilton (see Forum flyers and Candidate Bio's below)


Candidate Bio's and Pic's provided by the Candidates are listed in alphabetical order below - The Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce does not endorse or support any specific candidate.
City of Haines City - City Commission Seat 2 Candidates:

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.

Jayne Hall - Bio Coming Soon

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.
Candidate Bio's and Pic's provided by the Candidates are listed in alphabetical order below - The Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce does not endorse or support any specific candidate.
Town of Lake Hamilton - Town Council Seat 1 Candidates:
Picture coming Soon
John E. DeShane Jr - Bio Coming Soon

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.
Candidate Bio's and Pic's provided by the Candidates are listed in alphabetical order below - The Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce does not endorse or support any specific candidate.
Town of Lake Hamilton - Town Council Seat 3 Candidates:
Picture coming Soon
Joshua Collier - Bio Coming Soon
Picture coming Soon
Cora Perry Roberson - Bio Coming Soon

