Julie Peluso is running for reelection to Seat 2 on the Palm Harbor Special Fire Control and Rescue District board in the Tuesday, Nov. 3 nonpartisan election. She faces Benjamin Nichols.
Peluso has held the seat since 2006. Asked why she is seeking the office, Peluso said in our candidate questionnaire, "I currently serve as a Palm Harbor Fire Commissioner and want ensure that Palm Harbor residents continue to have solid, trustworthy and proven leadership."
Candidate information
Family and residence: Peluso said she is "married to Dr. Ken Peluso with 2 grown sons and 3 grandchildren." According to her campaign website, she lives in the Highland Lakes community in Palm Harbor and describes herself as a 40-year Palm Harbor resident.
Education: Asked about her education, Peluso said, "St. Petersburg College."
Occupation: Peluso said, "I have been a Real Estate Broker Associate for over 30 years in Palm Harbor and retired as President/CEO of United Home Mortgage Corp."
Party affiliation: Peluso said, "This is a non-partisan position and I represent all residents in my district."
Experience and public service
Asked about her current and previous offices, Peluso said, "I am currently the elected Palm Harbor Fire Commissioner, Seat 2."
She also cited accomplishments in our questionnaire: "I have been the Chairperson of the Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (EMSAC), FL Assoc of Special Districts Member of the Year (2024) for my district work and I am the Palm Harbor representative on the Pinellas Special Fire Districts Coalition."
Peluso is a board member of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and has served on the board of the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, according to her campaign website. She is also a committee member on the Palm Harbor 9/11 Memorial Committee, according to her campaign website, and a Certified District Official through the Florida Association of Special Districts, according to Palm Harbor Patch.
On the issues
Asked about the biggest challenge facing Palm Harbor Fire Rescue, Peluso said, "The biggest challenge is maintaining excellent service given budgetary restraints. Our millage has been capped at 2 mills since 1996, yet sound fiscal stewardship has helped make our District a sought-after department for top personnel."
She added, "Not only do we have to make sure that our department has appropriate equipment and supplies in order to deliver services, we must also remain competitive, maintain strong labor relations, and negotiate responsibly to recruit and retain the best firefighters."
Asked what she still wants to accomplish after nearly two decades on the board, Peluso said, "Simply stated, I want to continue my service to ensure that our residents continue to receive superior service and representation."
On what sets her apart from other candidates, Peluso said, "I have lived in and served this special district for over 20 years with upmost integrity. I have worked tirelessly establishing relationships and collaborating with local, county and state leaders to assure that our department provides exceptional service and that our tax paying residents are properly represented."
Endorsements
Peluso has received endorsements from firefighter and law enforcement organizations, according to Palm Harbor Patch:
- Jim Tolley, President/CEO, Florida Professional Firefighters
- Ryan Fisher, President, Palm Harbor/Oldsmar Professional Firefighters Local 2980
- Tom Porter, Director, Fraternal Order of Police, District 3
.jpg)