Spotlight on Chad Howell: Contributions to High Springs, FL

Chad Howell⁚ High Springs, FL

Chad Howell is a candidate for the High Springs City Commission. He is a resident of High Springs, Florida, and has a background in law enforcement. Howell served in the United States Marine Corps and worked as a law enforcement officer for the city of Starke and the Alachua Police Department. He has also served as a school resource officer, patrol officer, training officer, and detective. Howell earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree from Saint Leo University. He is a member of the High Springs Recreational Board and is active in the community. His vision for High Springs is to embrace future growth responsibly, protect the rural landscape and natural springs, encourage walking and biking, and support local businesses.

High Springs City Commission Candidate

Chad Howell is a candidate for the High Springs City Commission. He is running for Seat 2, which was vacated by Steve Tapanes in December 2023. Howell is a resident of High Springs and is running on a platform of responsible growth, environmental protection, and community support. He has been endorsed by former Commissioner Ross Ambrose.

Howell has a long history of public service. He served in the United States Marine Corps and worked as a law enforcement officer for the city of Starke and the Alachua Police Department. He has also served as a school resource officer, patrol officer, training officer, and detective. Howell earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree from Saint Leo University. He is a member of the High Springs Recreational Board and is active in the community.

Howell's campaign website states that he is "committed to working with the community to create a better future for High Springs." He has stated that his priorities include⁚

  • Protecting the rural landscape and natural springs
  • Encouraging walking, biking, and other forms of transportation
  • Supporting small local businesses

Howell is running against Wayne Bloodsworth Jr. in the special election on March 26, 2024.

Background and Experience

Chad Howell's background is marked by a strong commitment to public service and community involvement. Born in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Howell's early life was shaped by his father's career in the United States Marine Corps, leading to frequent relocations. After graduating high school in 1998, he pursued higher education for three years before enlisting in the Marines in May 2001. His military service included deployments to Okinawa, Japan, and two tours of duty in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom, demonstrating his dedication to serving his country. He received an honorable discharge in May 2006.

Following his military service, Howell relocated to Florida in April 2007 to be closer to family. He attended the police academy in Sanford and embarked on a career in law enforcement, serving as an officer for the city of Starke from February 2009 to February 2013; In February 2013, he joined the Alachua Police Department, where he currently serves as a sergeant and supervisor of the Criminal Investigations Division. His law enforcement experience encompasses a wide range of roles, including school resource officer, patrol officer, training officer, and detective, showcasing his versatility and dedication to public safety.

While working as a police officer, Howell continued his education and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree from Saint Leo University, demonstrating his commitment to personal and professional growth. He, his wife, and their two daughters moved to High Springs in 2018, becoming active members of the community. Howell's involvement extends beyond his professional roles, as he actively participates in community organizations and boards, serving on the High Springs Recreational Board. This combination of military service, law enforcement experience, and community involvement underscores his deep-rooted commitment to serving others and contributing to the betterment of his community.

Political Platform and Vision for High Springs

Chad Howell's political platform for the High Springs City Commission is rooted in his belief that responsible growth, environmental protection, and community support are essential for the city's future. He envisions a High Springs that embraces progress while preserving its unique character and natural resources.

A key element of Howell's vision is to ensure that future growth in High Springs occurs responsibly, taking into account the city's rural landscape and natural springs. He believes that development should be carefully planned to minimize environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty that defines High Springs. He advocates for policies that protect the city's water resources and ensure the long-term health of its ecosystems.

Another central pillar of Howell's platform is promoting sustainable and accessible transportation options. He believes that encouraging walking, biking, and other forms of transportation, beyond reliance on automobiles, will not only enhance residents' quality of life but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly community. This vision aligns with his commitment to protecting the natural environment and creating a more livable and walkable city.

Furthermore, Howell emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses. He recognizes that a vibrant local economy is essential for High Springs' prosperity and believes that the city should actively foster an environment that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs. He aims to create policies that encourage local investment and provide opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

In essence, Chad Howell's vision for High Springs is one of sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. He believes that by embracing these principles, High Springs can create a thriving future while preserving its unique character and natural beauty.

Community Involvement

Chad Howell's commitment to High Springs extends beyond his professional roles. He is actively involved in the community, demonstrating a genuine desire to contribute to its betterment. One of his key roles is serving on the High Springs Recreational Board, showcasing his dedication to improving recreational opportunities for residents.

Howell's dedication to the community is further evident in his social media posts. He expresses his support for the Parks and Recreation department, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the city. He even shares a personal anecdote about achieving an "ace" (hole-in-one) on the High Springs disc golf course, highlighting his enjoyment of local recreational facilities. This personal connection to community resources demonstrates his understanding and appreciation for the importance of leisure activities and their role in enhancing quality of life.

Beyond his involvement in specific organizations, Howell's social media presence also reflects his commitment to engaging with residents. He actively participates in online discussions, responding to questions and concerns about local issues. This digital engagement suggests that he is open to communication and actively seeks to understand the perspectives of his fellow residents.

In summary, Chad Howell's community involvement is not limited to formal positions but extends to a genuine desire to participate in the life of High Springs. His involvement in the Recreational Board, his support for Parks and Recreation, and his active engagement on social media underscore his commitment to creating a vibrant and thriving community.

Election Results

The special election for Seat 2 on the High Springs City Commission was held on March 26, 2024. Chad Howell faced off against Wayne Bloodsworth Jr. in a tight race that ultimately resulted in Bloodsworth's victory.

According to the official results, Bloodsworth received 369 votes, while Howell garnered 305 votes. This outcome marked a close contest, with Bloodsworth securing a lead of 64 votes.

The special election was called after former Commissioner Steve Tapanes resigned in December 2023. Tapanes's resignation triggered a special election to fill the vacant seat. The election was held just a few weeks after the Florida presidential primaries, with voting by mail already underway.

While Howell's campaign focused on responsible growth, environmental protection, and community support, Bloodsworth's campaign emphasized his strong work ethic, Christian morals, and family values. He also highlighted his experience as a retired UPS employee and his involvement in local organizations.

Despite his defeat in the election, Chad Howell's participation in the race showcased his dedication to public service and his desire to contribute to the betterment of High Springs. His campaign brought attention to important issues facing the city and provided voters with an opportunity to hear his vision for the future.

Current Status

As of today, August 31, 2024, Chad Howell is no longer a candidate for the High Springs City Commission. He was defeated in the special election held on March 26, 2024, by Wayne Bloodsworth Jr.

Following the election, Howell has not publicly announced any future political aspirations. However, he continues to serve as a sergeant and supervisor of the Criminal Investigations Division for the Alachua Police Department. This suggests that he remains dedicated to his career in law enforcement and continues to serve the community in that capacity.

While his political journey as a candidate for the High Springs City Commission has concluded, Howell's commitment to public service and his desire to contribute to his community remain evident. His experience in law enforcement and his involvement in community organizations demonstrate his ongoing dedication to serving others.

It remains to be seen if Howell will re-enter the political arena in the future. However, his participation in the 2024 special election and his continued involvement in community affairs indicate that he remains a valuable asset to High Springs.

Contact Information

While Chad Howell's campaign for the High Springs City Commission has concluded, finding his contact information is not readily available on public platforms. He is not currently holding an elected office, and his social media presence is limited to a Facebook profile, which does not provide any contact details;

However, as a sergeant with the Alachua Police Department, his professional contact information could potentially be accessed through the department's website or public records. Additionally, he may be reachable through his personal Facebook profile, though it is not guaranteed that he would respond to messages from individuals outside his personal network.

It is important to note that contacting individuals directly through their workplaces or social media profiles is generally discouraged unless it is for professional purposes. It is always best to respect personal boundaries and seek alternative means of communication if possible.

For those seeking information about the High Springs City Commission or other local government officials, it is recommended to consult the City of High Springs website or contact the city clerk's office directly.

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