U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for Florida governor, made a campaign stop at Born & Bread Bakehouse on South Florida Avenue. Arriving with his campaign team, Donalds spent over an hour meeting supporters, taking photos, and speaking directly with patrons.
Key Takeaways from the Visit
- Managing Growth & Infrastructure: Donalds highlighted growth management, road infrastructure, and rising property insurance costs as primary concerns voiced by local voters, emphasizing the need for coordinated regional growth strategies to preserve quality of life while accommodating Florida’s influx of new residents.
- Stance on Data Centers: Addressing local concerns regarding hyperscale data center developments—such as the City of Lakeland’s recent temporary moratorium—Donalds reiterated his respect for local control, stating, “If local governments and communities decide they don’t want a data center, then they will not have a data center”.
- Tax Reform & Insurance: He voiced support for Amendment 3 and indicated plans to utilize the state’s Tax and Budget Reform Commission to review and streamline state taxes and fees.
- Local Community Presence: Born & Bread owner Jenn Smurr noted the event was coordinated with the campaign weeks in advance. Attendees included local GOP leaders and community figures, such as Polk County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Sam Romain, Florida Poly Trustee Sam Neelam, and Polk County School Board candidate Kate Wallace.
This visit follows an earlier Lakeland stop Donalds made at the Reececliff Family Diner alongside Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Donalds is heading toward the November general election, where he will face Democratic nominee David Jolly and NPA candidate Frank Russo.
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