PALM COAST, Fla. — A standing-room-only crowd packed the Palm Coast VFW Saturday evening as Congressman Byron Donalds brought his “Defending the Florida Dream Tour” to Flagler County, drawing enthusiastic supporters, elected officials, veterans, business leaders, and residents eager to hear from the Republican gubernatorial candidate.
The event opened with a prayer from Pastor Jearlyn Dennie, who described the gathering as an opportunity to discuss “the future of our great state” and preserving a Florida “where faith, freedom, opportunity and personal responsibility flourish.”
Flagler County Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson welcomed attendees, calling Donalds “a strong voice for Florida and a champion for the principles that have helped make our state one of the most successful and prosperous in this nation.”
U.S. Congressman Randy Fine energized the crowd before introducing Donalds, describing him as a longtime friend and political ally.
“Byron will be an extraordinary governor,” Fine said. “Florida is the leader of the country. Frankly, if we ran America like we ran Florida, we wouldn’t have any problems.”
When Donalds took the stage, he immediately focused on the state’s accomplishments and his vision moving forward.
“We are the number one state in America,” Donalds told the crowd. “And as your next governor, we will remain the number one state in America.”
Rather than deliver a lengthy speech, Donalds spent much of the evening taking questions directly from residents on issues ranging from insurance costs and education to artificial intelligence, data centers, environmental protection, and public safety.
Among the loudest applause came when Donalds reaffirmed support for law enforcement and Florida’s conservative policies.
“Our law enforcement officials, they will have every resource that they need,” he said. “They will have every support that they need. I will have their back.”
Donalds also addressed property taxes and affordability, promising continued efforts to provide relief for homeowners.
“We are going to make sure that our seniors on fixed income and our working families get the relief that they truly deserve here in the great state of Florida,” he said.
Insurance costs emerged as one of the evening’s most discussed topics. Donalds outlined plans to modernize Florida’s insurance system and said reforms could help lower costs.
“Addressing insurance is going to be critical for the future of the state,” he said. “When we look at it internally, we think we can lower it anywhere from 10 to 20 percent.”
Education occupied a significant portion of the discussion. Donalds defended school choice, called for greater academic accountability, and proposed individualized success plans to help students identify career pathways earlier.
“My goal is that our kids master math, reading and writing by the time they graduate high school,” he said.
He also promoted apprenticeships, workforce credentials, and partnerships with businesses to help students transition directly into careers after graduation.
“The future success of our state is not what we’re doing today,” Donalds said. “It is the success of our children in the future.”
Questions surrounding artificial intelligence and data centers generated some of the evening’s most detailed responses. Donalds said Florida must balance technological growth with environmental protections, including safeguards for water resources, energy generation, and residential communities.
“If our ecology and our environment is damaged, this whole thing is over for our state,” he said. “A healthy environment actually leads to a healthy Florida.”
Donalds emphasized that data centers should provide their own power generation, use closed-loop water systems, and be located away from residential neighborhoods.
On artificial intelligence, he called for protections for children and families.
“We need to protect children,” Donalds said. “Parents should have full access to the chat bot that their kids use.”
Audience members appeared receptive to the message.
Diana McLemore said she attended to better understand Donalds’ platform and was particularly encouraged by his focus on education.
“We need to take care of these kids,” she said.
Bunnell Vice Mayor John Rogers praised what he viewed as Donalds’ emphasis on future generations.
“You heard his heart, man,” Rogers said. “His message is for the children. It’s for the kids. It’s for the future of Florida.”
Kenard Cousins said he was impressed by Donalds’ command of policy issues.
“I like his intellect. Very intelligent, very well versed,” Cousins said. “I like what he stands for.”
As the evening concluded, Donalds reflected on his personal connection to Florida and the stakes of the upcoming election.
“I came to this state 30 years ago with a trunk full of clothes,” he said. “Everything in my life, everything has been built in Florida. I love this state.”
He left attendees with a final reminder of what he believes is at stake.
“The future is very bright, but it’s also consequential,” Donalds said. “Other states are looking to Florida for leadership.”
