Marcus Barber
GoodParty.org candidate

Marcus Barber

Seminole City Mayor

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About the Office

The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the municipality. They often preside over council meetings and may have the power to hire and fire heads of municipal departments.

Term Length

3 years

Election Date

Nov 4, 2025

About Me

Party

Other

Occupation

Small Business Owner

Past Experience

My name is Marcus Barber, and I am proud to be a lifelong resident of Seminole, Florida. I’m a husband of 26 years, a father to two wonderful daughters, a pet parent, and a homeowner. I hold a bachelors degree in Management and Organizational Leadership. I use those skills daily in running my small business where I teach CPR and raise up everyday heroes in and beyond my community. ​I am also a U.S. Navy veteran of 20 years. I’ve been entrusted with multimillion-dollar aircraft, high-value equipment, and most importantly, the lives of my fellow service members. I was repeatedly selected for high-stakes leadership roles because of my operational expertise, but moreover because I get results. As a Navy Rescue Swimmer, I lived by the motto: “So Others May Live.” That commitment didn’t end with my military service. Whether on the battlefield, teaching CPR, or stepping in during a real-life emergency, my mission has always been to serve and protect others. ​Now, I aim to use my skills to serve in a new way. I want to use my organizational skills to directly impact the success and sustainability of local businesses. I want to sustain the passion within my community by employing our Chamber of Commerce. Entrepreneurs deserve clear guidance, accountability from absentee landlords, and a city government that champions their success from day one. I care deeply about the safety of our neighborhoods, the wellbeing and education of our children, the dignity and respect owed to our elderly, and unwavering support to our military veterans and first responders. I’m not a politician, I’m your neighbor. I’m someone who will listen, collaborate, and take action. I’ll be as present during crises as I am for celebrations. I don’t run from challenges— I step up to lead. I want this job because I believe I can make a meaningful difference. I have the passion, discipline, and vision to lead Seminole forward and I respectfully ask for your vote to serve as your next Mayor.

My Top Issues

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

Marcus understands what truly matters: safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and a local government that listens.

Infrastructure / Transportation

I believe in investing in Seminole today so that our city thrives tomorrow. Responsible funding will enhance quality of life, keep neighborhoods safe, and provide resources our families deserve.

Infrastructure / Transportation

As Mayor, I will work closely with my fellow City Council members and the Administration to ensure that the any required changes to City procedures that deal with improving post-storm response can be optimized.

Infrastructure / Transportation

As mayor, I would have already suggest to our council and administration to have an emergency response in place for recovery. This would have directed the city manager to proactively request temporary support from other municipalities or agencies to handle the surge in permit requests.

Infrastructure / Transportation

I also will be recommending to the council and administration to approve our outdated communication through multiple channels such as text alerts, social media and modernized city website.

Infrastructure / Transportation

I support smart, targeted investments that improve our roads, parks, and public safety ensuring every dollar strengthens our community and benefits every family.

Who I'm Running Against

Leslie Waters (Other)

Leslie Waters served as a State Representative in the Florida House of Representatives for 8 years (1998-2006), terming out as Speaker Pro-Tempore. She has served on the City of Seminole Council for 10 years, as Councilor, Vice Mayor, Interim Mayor, and currently as Mayor since 2013. She is the proprietor of Leslie Waters Government Relations, travels as an International Democracy Consultant, author of Good Morning Mayor, What's up? a book about local government, the government closest to the people. She received both her Bachelor's and master's degrees from Florida State University, and lives in Seminole, Florida, with her husband, Al Waters.
 

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