Plant City residents hear Donalds discuss affordability, education and preserving agriculture amid continued growth.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds stopped in Plant City during his statewide campaign tour to share his vision for Florida’s future with residents in an informal meet-and-greet.
To commemorate his visit, Donalds was presented with a black cowboy hat and a bottle as symbols of Plant City’s agricultural heritage, which organizers encouraged him to take along on the remainder of his campaign tour.
More than 60 residents attended the event to hear Donalds discuss why he believes he should be Florida’s next governor.
“My mission is clear: Make sure Florida remains the best state in America,” Donalds said.
Drawing on his background in finance, commercial banking and insurance, Donalds said he is one of the few members of Congress with firsthand knowledge of Florida’s insurance market from the perspective of everyday residents.
Donalds centered his campaign message on three priorities: insurance reform, balanced growth and education.
“We are going to build a better K-12 system, making sure third graders are reading at grade level and investing in job training,” he said.
He also said students should be encouraged to pursue the career path that best fits their strengths, whether that means attending college, enrolling in a vocational program or entering the workforce through apprenticeships and other hands-on training opportunities.
Beyond education, Donalds emphasized the importance of planning for Florida’s continued growth. He said the Tampa Bay region should have a long-term vision that helps local governments and the state prepare for future infrastructure, housing and economic development needs while protecting agriculture and the environment.
“When we talk about this, it’s not just about the growth of roads. We have to think about agriculture. Where is agriculture going to be? How do you still grow strawberries? How do you do that while people are choosing Florida? We have to balance our agriculture and our environment with commercial growth,” Donalds said.
On taxes, Donalds said he wants to examine Florida’s tax structure, including property taxes, as the state continues to grow.
“I would say his top priority is affordability. He came to the state of Florida at 17 and was able to build a life here,” Press Secretary Skylar Swansen said. “He worked in the finance industry prior to being elected to Congress, so he understands what needs to happen to build a plan for Florida’s future success.”
Swansen said Donalds wants students to succeed in careers that match their individual strengths rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all approach centered solely on college.
“We’ve had conservative leadership in the state for the past 30 years,” Swansen said. “We’ve had great conservative governors for decades, and he’s the one to take it into the future.”
Following his remarks, Donalds spent time greeting attendees, shaking hands and posing for photos with residents and local officials before departing for the next stop on his statewide campaign tour.
Primary election day is August 18, and the voter registration deadline is July 20. The General election is November 3, and the voter registration deadline is October 5.
