A Charlotte County resident for almost
50 years and a city of Punta Gorda resident for almost 30 years
Rachel Keesling is a home-grown Charlotte County product, completing K-12 in Charlotte County Public Schools, ultimately graduating from Charlotte High School in 1987.
Rachel graduated from the University of Florida in 1991 with a Degree in Education. She taught in Lee and Charlotte school systems and then was a stay-at-home mom and committed volunteer to many organizations. In 2010, Rachel was completing a master’s degree from FGCU and was elected to the Punta Gorda City Council.
She's everything Punta Gorda! Rachel has been a Charlotte County resident for almost 50 years and a city of Punta Gorda resident for almost 30 years. She has a multi-generational understanding of this community, raising her kids here and having her parents and in-laws living locally.
She's been The Mayor! Rachel spent 4 terms on City Council and served as Mayor and Vice Mayor. During her tenure on council, she has held many other positions on boards and committees. She started the City Hall Halloween Celebration and ran the Downtown Tree Lighting committee for many years.
Rachel wants to serve her hometown in multiple ways, planning and securing Punta Gorda for the next generation.
Secure Online donations click here:
Donations by mail:
850 Bimini Lane Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Include your home address and occupation if over $100
Contact:
(941)628-1141 (Cell)
rkeesling@me.com
History of Service
City of Punta Gorda
November 2010 - 2018 Councilmember
2012 - 2013 Vice Mayor
2013 - 2014, 2015 - 2018 Mayor
2012 125th Anniversary Celebration
2012 1% Sales Tax Project Committee
2014 - 2018 City Hall Halloween Trunk or Treat
2015 - 2017 Chair of the Downtown Christmas Celebration
City of Punta Gorda Service Committees
2013 - 2018 Tourist Development Council
2011 - 2012 to 2015 - 2016 CHEC
2009 - 2010 to 2013 - 2014 Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
2009 - 2010 to 2011 - 2012 Arts & Humanities Council (Liaison)
2016 - 2017 Drug Free Punta Gorda (Liaison)
Southwest Florida League of Cities
2014 - 2018 City of Punta Gorda Voting Member
2015 - 2017 Vice President
2017 - 2018 President
2019 - Present Executive Director
Florida League of Cities
2015, 2017 FAST Fly-in to Washington, D.C.
2015 - Present Policy Committee – Utilities, Natural Resources & Public Works
(formerly Energy, Environment & Natural Resources)
2016-2017 Nominating Committee
2017 - Present Federal Action Strike Team (FAST)
2017 - 2018 Board of Directors; Resolutions Committee
2018 FLC Annual Conference Moderator
2018 FLC Annual Conference Home Rule Rally Leader
2018 FLC Home Rule Hero Award Winner
"I BELIEVE IN OUR CITY'S MISSION TO "PRESERVE AND ENHANCE PUNTA GORDA'S IDENTITY AS A VIBRANT WATERFRONT COMMUNITY, UNIQUE IN CHARACTER AND HISTORY; AND AS A DESIRABLE PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND VISIT" AND I WILL BE DEDICATED TO MAKING DECISIONS THAT ALIGN WITH THAT VISION."
