Sean Fernandez is a husband and father who's been to war and back. And he's currently in the race to become the next Zephyrhills City Council member.
All at the ripe young age of 25.
Of the four candidates for council Seat 2, Fernandez is the youngest.
But "just because I'm young don't mean I'm dumb," Fernandez says.
When Fernandez got wind of the council seat being vacated by Celia Graham, he decided to give it a shot.
He says he's big on politics and can hold his own in a debate. But, most of all, Fernandez says he wants to give a voice to Zephyrhills' younger set.
"Someone had to step up to ensure that (not only ) the senior citizens have their say but also the young folk," Fernandez says.
He met his wife, Valerie, at church when they were just tots. Four years ago, they wed, and later welcomed a son, Jacob, now 2.
Fernandez says fatherhood is his favorite role. He enjoys taking Jacob to play at the local water park, not far from his home on Fifth Street in downtown Zephyrhills.
"I love this town. I love the history, too," says Fernandez, a stocky former high school football player.
About four years ago, Fernandez ended his three-year tour with the Marines because of a knee injury. Since his days at Zephyrhills High School, he knew he wanted to enlist.
Fernandez says when he found out he'd be shipped out to the Middle East, "it was my job, and I was excited to do my job," he says.
In the end, Fernandez says he accepted a certificate of commendation for superior duties in a wartime situation.
Now, Fernandez works as a secondary mortgage underwriter for American Mortgage Consultants in Tampa.
And lately, he's on the campaign trail, knocking on doors and handing out fliers from his ink-jet printer. So far, Fernandez has raised $200 and another $500 in pledges. He wants to raise about $1,500 to $2,000 for his campaign.
Fernandez admits he's been to only a couple of City Council meetings. He stammered when asked about local issues such as the city-owned skate park's helmet rule and budget cuts from Amendment 1.
"My main platform is to conserve some of the tax money that we already have. I don't really want to raise taxes. I'm living here, too," Fernandez says.
Fernandez says he wants to focus on beautifying the city in order to attract bigger businesses to the area.
"I believe that I have the drive to succeed in everything I do. Zephyrhills can really benefit from somebody like me," Fernandez says.
Bob White
Much has changed since Bob White moved to Zephyrhills in 1969. Right before his eyes, the city has transformed from a tiny, sleepy town to a bustling community filled with new families, homes and businesses.
"I've witnessed the change," White says.
And now, White wants to take on an active role in Zephyrhills. He's one of four candidates running for Seat 2.
White, a spry octogenarian, is best known around town for his business, Bob White Painting, said to be the longest-running paint contractor in Pasco county. Up until January, when White retired, he could still be spotted atop tall ladders, swiping new color onto local homes and businesses.
"I'm 84 years old. But, I'm young," White says with a wide grin. "I'm the only (candidate) that has the pulse of the seniors."
White was born in Ohio and served for three years in the Army Air Forces in World War II. As a young man, he became an ordained minister, traveling to the Caribbean and South America on Christian mission trips. One mission brought him to Zephyrhills, decades ago. And he's lived here since.
For five years, White served as volunteer chaplain at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and taught adult Bible study for the last three decades. White has even led the prayer at the start of a few Zephyrhills City Council meetings over the years.
White and his wife of 45 years, Mary, have a big blended family with grown children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their home on 19th Street is known as the White House, where Bob is president and Mary first lady.
"I find that (Zephyrhills is) a great place to raise children. Can't beat it. The schools are an asset. And it's close to big cities," White says.
But now that he's handed the painting business off to his son, Daniel. Bob White says he'll have more time to devote to the City Council, if elected.
And he's a popular guy.
"Everybody knows me. … I expect to win," White says.
If elected, he'll focus on keeping Zephyrhills safe, he says. Some older folks are afraid of getting mugged in the park, he says.
And city tax increases would get a thumbs down from White, he says.
The silver-haired candidate is the oldest one running for Seat 2. And on April 8, White hopes voters will pick him to be "the voice of the people."
>>fast facts
Sean Fernandez, 25
Married to Valerie, a kindergarten aide at San Antonio Catholic School in San Antonio
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