A New Voice for District 15 — It’s Time to Tune Out the Noise and Fight for What Matters
When I look around District 15—from the vibrant streets of Historic Parramore to the enduring legacy of Eatonville, from the growing communities of Apopka and Winter Garden to the overlooked corners of Pine Hills and Washington Shores—I see promise. I see resilience. I see people who are working hard, raising families, starting businesses, and doing everything they can to live a good life. What I also see, though, are the very real struggles—skyrocketing insurance premiums, lack of access to affordable housing, and communities that still don’t feel safe.
In this race, we must tune out the drama and distractions and center the conversation on the issues that matter most to our neighbors. My campaign isn’t about personalities or headlines. It’s about this beautiful and diverse community. It’s about you.
Pine Hills, Washington Shores, Historic Parramore, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Gotha, parts of Oakland, the Dr. Phillips area, Historic Eatonville, and Apopka all have one thing in common: residents are being asked to settle for less—less safety, less opportunity, and less access to what every Floridian deserves. I’m here to say: enough. We deserve more. And I’m ready to fight for it.
My story, like many in our community, didn’t begin with privilege. I lost my mother to a drunk driver when I was just seven. At sixteen, I lost my father to cancer. I know what it means to suffer loss. I also know what it means to get back up. Raised by my grandmother, I learned early on that when life gets tough, you get tougher—and you never stop standing up for what’s right.
That lesson shaped my path. I earned my degrees from Georgetown University and the University of Florida Levin College of Law not just for the title, but to serve. I’ve fought in courtrooms. I’ve mentored young people. I’ve helped families navigate their hardest days. And now, I’m running for the Florida Senate because I believe my life experiences and professional journey have prepared me to be a fierce, effective advocate for District 15.
I am proud to live in the district I hope to serve—not just as a representative, but as a neighbor who listens, shows up, and never backs down.
In addition to so many other issues, this campaign is about creating safer communities, lowering homeowners insurance rates, and ensuring that affordable housing is not just a slogan but a reality.
If you believe that leadership should be about lifting people up, not tearing others down—then I invite you to join me. This moment is ours to seize.
Coretta Anthony-Smith is an attorney and a candidate for Florida Senate District 15.
Written by Coretta Anthony-Smith
