Press Release: In the open State House District 4 seat being vacated by Rep. Matt Gaetz, Mel Ponder, a small businessman and the Mayor of Destin, announced his campaign for the Republican nomination to serve in the Florida House of Representatives.
“It is with great humility and a strong sense of service that I ask the voters of Okaloosa County to allow me the privilege and honor to serve as their next state Representative,†Ponder said. “As a strong conservative, I will champion our shared ideals of limited government, lower taxes, economic opportunity for all and supporting traditional family values so that we can continue to build a strong community and see Okaloosa County thrive.â€
Ponder is the founder and president of Business Empowered (BE), a marketplace ministry headquartered in Destin with a mission to equip, encourage and empower individuals in their calling and in their community.
Previously, he was the director of regional marketing programs for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. And, just prior, he served as the executive director of Coastal Vision 3000/THE Beach in Destin.
Ponder was elected Mayor of Destin in 2014 and previously served on the Destin City Council from 2002-2006. Ponder and his wife, Mona, have three children and reside in Destin.