Rooted in Daytona Beach

Born in Griffin, Georgia on June 5, 1991, Dr. Kerry B. Lewis has proudly called Daytona Beach home since the age of eight. This city has shaped his character, embraced his journey, and inspired his lifelong commitment to service. For Lewis, Daytona Beach is more than a destination—it is a movement waiting to be realized. His vision is to help lead that transformation with discipline, transparency, and heart, ensuring the city thrives for generations to come.

A Life of Travel and Perspective

Lewis’s journey has taken him far beyond Florida, giving him a broad perspective on leadership and community. He lived in Los Angeles for six years, where he immersed himself in diverse cultures, industries, and civic challenges. In 2022, he ran for Congress in California’s 28th District, ultimately choosing to withdraw at his own will. That experience reinforced his belief in the importance of truth, transparency, and accountability in public life. Yet through all his travels and ventures, Florida has remained his true home—the place where his roots run deepest and his vision for the future is clearest.

Academic Foundations

Lewis’s academic path reflects the balance he brings to leadership. He earned a Master’s degree in Business and Finance, equipping him with the tools to navigate complex industries and build sustainable enterprises. Later, he completed his Doctorate in Divinity, affirming his spiritual calling and strengthening his commitment to ethical leadership. Together, these milestones form the foundation of his approach: strategic innovation paired with moral responsibility.

Business Leadership

Professionally, Lewis has built and managed enterprises that demand accountability, efficiency, and results. As the Owner & CEO of Rover Pet Stores Inc., he developed a business model that celebrates animal welfare, community engagement, and eco-conscious retail. His stores are more than commercial spaces—they are hubs for education, pet care, and neighborhood connection. This experience reinforced his belief that commerce and conservation can coexist when guided by values, not just profit.

Lewis believes government should operate with the same principles as a well-run business: discipline, transparency, and accountability. “You don’t need to sit in government to understand how it should work—you need to understand people, process, and purpose,” he often says. That philosophy defines his vision for City Hall.

Environmental Advocacy

At the heart of Lewis’s public service is a lifelong respect for Florida’s natural beauty. Growing up surrounded by coastal ecosystems, wetlands, and wildlife, he witnessed firsthand how unchecked development can erode landscapes and community identity. His environmental advocacy is rooted in the conviction that nature is not a luxury—it’s a legacy. Protecting Daytona Beach’s natural resources is central to his vision of community building.

Political and Editorial Leadership

Lewis’s leadership extends beyond business into the civic and editorial arenas. As the founder of the Edgewater Gazette, he established a trusted voice for truth, transparency, and community connection. His editorial work emphasized fact-based journalism and open dialogue, challenging opaque systems and misinformation. Whether running for Congress in California or launching his mayoral campaign in Daytona Beach, Lewis has consistently championed truth, transparency, and accountability as the pillars of effective governance.

Why He Is Running

Daytona Beach deserves leadership that is both visionary and grounded—capable of reimagining the city’s future while staying true to the values that make it strong. Lewis is running for Mayor of Daytona Beach to deliver that leadership. His platform is built on empowering residents, protecting the environment, fostering sustainable economic growth, and ensuring government operates with clarity and efficiency.