My name is Dr. Kerry B. Lewis, and I am not here to play politics—I am here to lead. I stand before you as a candidate for Mayor of Daytona Beach in 2028, and I bring with me a lifetime of service, innovation, and faith. Many of you know me as a public servant, business builder, editorial leader, and ordained pastor. My life has been devoted to one mission: to defend the values that make our community strong and to hold government accountable to the people it serves.

I bring both professional and spiritual grounding to this work. With a Master’s in Business and Finance and a Doctorate in Divinity, I have learned how to unite strategic innovation with principled leadership. As the founder of Rover Pet Stores Inc. and former owner of the Edgewater Gazette, I have proven that I can build businesses, strengthen neighborhoods, and stand firm for truth in the public square—even when it is unpopular or inconvenient.

This campaign is not about titles—it is about taking back control of our city from special interests and restoring power to the citizens. It is about protecting our families, defending our neighborhoods, and ensuring Daytona Beach remains a place where hard work and responsibility are rewarded—not undermined.

My Pledge

Daytona Beach deserves leadership that is disciplined, transparent, and focused on results. I am committed to building a city where families can flourish, businesses can grow, and every resident feels proud to call Daytona Beach home.

Together, we will:

  • Audit every department to cut waste and restore accountability.

  • Guarantee a 30-day turnaround on permits and licenses—no more bureaucratic delays.

  • Launch a Main Street revitalization plan to bring life back to the heart of our city.

  • Reform the First Step Shelter with leadership changes and operational discipline to restore dignity and accountability.

  • Create a Weekly Local Safety Report so citizens know the truth about crime and progress in their neighborhoods.

My Bold Priorities

  • Public Safety — Families must feel secure in every neighborhood. Law and order are non-negotiable. Criminals will not run our streets—citizens will.

  • Infrastructure Readiness — Growth must never outrun roads, schools, and utilities. Development will serve residents, not overwhelm them. No more broken promises, no more traffic nightmares.

  • Local Business Growth — Jobs and opportunity should stay here at home. We will put Daytona businesses first. If you invest in Daytona, Daytona will invest in you.

  • Environmental Stewardship — Protecting our beaches, waterways, and natural resources is both a duty and a legacy. We will not trade our coastline for short-term profit.

  • Ethical Governance — End favoritism, cut reckless spending, and put citizens before lobbyists and special interests. Transparency will not be optional—it will be the law.

Everyday Victories Matter

Safe bus stops, clean streets, affordable housing, and neighborhood pride are not small issues—they are the foundation of a city where families thrive. When government fails at the basics, it fails at everything. I will not allow Daytona Beach to settle for mediocrity.

Daytona Beach will not be managed—it will be led. Together, we can secure a future rooted in accountability, fairness, and community strength. That is my promise to you, and I will not break it.