A Charlotte County resident for almost
50 years and a city of Punta Gorda resident for almost 30 years

CLICK HERE for a special message from Rachel.
A HOME-GROWN LEADER
Tarpon, Gator, CCPS Teacher, Mayor

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."