Jermaine J. Williams: A Community Voice in Pensacola
Jermaine J. Williams, a lifelong resident of Pensacola, brings a background in behavioral health and community advocacy to his campaign for mayor. His public profile highlights work in mental health support, addiction recovery, and neighborhood engagement, emphasizing programs and initiatives that strengthen community ties.
Williams grew up in Pensacola and says his early experiences in local neighborhoods shaped his approach to leadership. His professional career has focused on behavioral health, including work as a certified recovery peer specialist and a crisis response professional. In these roles, he assists individuals and families navigating mental health challenges and substance use issues. He has also worked with the national 988 crisis hotline to provide support for people in urgent situations. Williams has publicly shared his own journey through recovery from addiction, citing personal experience as a foundation for his work with others.
His campaign emphasizes what his team calls a “People First” approach. Williams has said city leadership should be transparent, accountable, and responsive to residents. His platform includes policies aimed at expanding housing support, improving access to mental health care, and coordinating services for people experiencing homelessness. He frames public safety through a health-centered lens, prioritizing treatment and support rather than punitive approaches.
Williams has also drawn attention to redevelopment and housing stability in Pensacola. He has expressed concern about how major projects affect long-time residents and advocates for community engagement in planning decisions. His campaign materials stress the importance of development that strengthens neighborhoods and creates opportunities for residents rather than displacing them.
Throughout his career, Williams has used storytelling, film projects, public speaking, and community events to raise awareness about addiction, mental health, and public health issues. He has partnered with nonprofit organizations and local leaders to provide programs that build stronger community networks and improve access to care. His work emphasizes equity, inclusion, and the needs of populations often overlooked in city planning and public policy discussions.
The 2026 Pensacola mayoral election, scheduled for August 18, 2026, lists Williams among several candidates. The election is nonpartisan under local law, and he joins other community leaders seeking the city’s top office.
Williams’s public statements and professional history emphasize his commitment to inclusive leadership and service-oriented governance. His work in behavioral health and community advocacy is a central part of his profile, and he presents these experiences as a foundation for addressing challenges and opportunities in Pensacola’s neighborhoods. By focusing on transparency, community engagement, and support for vulnerable residents, Williams positions himself as a candidate with deep ties to the city and a record of service.
Takeira S. Nettles
Takeira Nettles is a passionate communicator, storyteller, and community-centered leader serving as a Public Relations Intern with Bantucola. Originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, she brings a warm, culturally grounded approach to her work.
A senior Public Relations student at Florida A&M University, she has developed skills in media writing, brand development, and audience engagement. She is an active member of the National Council of Negro Women and the Public Relations Student Society of America, reflecting her commitment to service and professional growth.
Takeira is driven by the power of communication to uplift the Black community. She is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, and creating meaningful, impactful campaigns that connect with audiences.
