Residents-first approach to local government sets the tone for the shared vision of Florida City under its newly elected officials.

During its February 2026 run-off, residents elected Charlotte Thompson as its new mayor. Thompson, the city’s first woman mayor, succeeds Otis Wallace, who served as mayor for more than 40 years (1984 to 2026).

In addition to Thompson, the city entered a new administrative era with all but one commission seat being filled by new leaders. Thompson is joined by Vice Mayor Ronda Cobbs, Commissioner Trina Wilson, Commissioner Richard Brown, and City Manager Dr. James Poag. Commissioner James Gold previously served.

Their administrative goals include: improving public safety, expanding youth programs, building trust in the community by ensuring residents’ voices are heard, and providing access to resources.

After 35 years of working for the Florida Highway Patrol, Thompson brings her expertise and unique perspective to her role as mayor. That’s why expanding the police department is her first priority.

“We had 42 (officers),” Thompson explained. “We just recently hired three more, so that’s a plus for us.” Thompson said she hopes to implement community-oriented policing and build stronger relationships between the police force and residents.

Her other priorities include: improving relations with senior citizens and bringing more programs into Florida City for the youth.

For Cobb, a veteran educator, creating additional educational programs for children is of significant importance. “There is a big achievement gap between the students in our city and those further north,” she stated. “So one of my initiatives is to ensure there is an after-school program that includes a four-hour student mentorship component, as well as extracurricular activities.”

Cobb plans personally join students during excursions outside of the community so they can experience other environments. Cobbs said she hopes these experiences will allow students to see what success looks like beyond their hometown.

Additionally, she created the First Friday Fun Zone initiative that provides a safe space for local youth and helps reduce crime by keeping children off the streets. Students attend gym classes at the Florida City Youth Activity Center and on the first Friday of every month the gym is transformed into a game room.

Despite being recently appointed, Cobbs said she aspires to carve out a new path under her leadership—alongside her colleagues—that differs from what residents may have previously experienced.

“We’re going to build off what was left for us and make it much better, and we will make sure that the citizens of Florida City see the change,” she said.

Like her colleagues, Wilson has a passion for enriching the lives of local youth and draws from her experience as a youth counselor and pediatric nurse. She works to secure after-school programs for students of all ages, particularly middle and high school students, to help ensure they remain on a positive path in life.

“That is something that I’m definitely working hard to do, and also bringing about summer youth employment,” Wilson stated. “That’s something that we will have here this summer.”

Wilson hopes to employ at least 50 young people and help prepare them for the workforce.

Wilson also aims to strengthen ties between residents and local officials by creating a “boots on the ground” approach to community involvement. She said she plans to be accessible. “… There will be an open-door policy with set business hours,” she explained. “Residents will be able to come in, meet with me … and bring forward any concerns.”

Aside from youth programs, public safety, and community engagement, Florida City officials are also focused on finding solutions for increasing economic development, improving disaster preparedness and developing affordable housing.

“The area median income in Florida City is not even $30,000 a year, so that’s a challenge in itself,” Wilson explained. “I’m learning about the various builders here in Florida City and how we can move forward with affordable and workforce housing.”