Scott Powers
Democrat Phil Moore said that, for too long, he has watched with growing concern from his bicycling, running, and kayaking as the environment of the Space Coast and its lagoons and rivers degraded, and as Tallahassee seemed to want to restrict what cities and counties can do.
The 43-year-old athletic trainer and instructor from West Melbourne has filed to run for the Florida House District 53 seat held by Republican incumbent state Rep. Randy Fine of Palm Bay.
A Florida native with a bachelor’s degree from Barry University and a master’s degree from Ohio University, both in athletic training, Moore is hoping to hone a message big on support for Home Rule and for environmental protection, two issues that have become prominent along the Space Coast.
The district covers south Brevard County, including Palm Bay, West Melbourne, Malabar, and parts of Melbourne and Melbourne Beach. It has a reasonably even partisan split, with a slight Republican edge, and a relatively small proportion of independent voters compared with other Central Florida districts.
Moore, a second-generation Floridian, is counting on riding a midterm opposition party wave, and growing resentment against the Florida Legislature pre-empting local controls. However, he’s also dismissing acceptance of any corporate or political action committee money, starting his campaign more than $65,000 behind Fine, and without any seasoned consultants or advisers yet.
13 comments
Leesa Adams
January 22, 2018 at 5:11 pm
Glad to see Phil running in District 53. He will be a tremendous asset to the residents of Florida, and especially those in Brevard County.
Jennifer Carroll
January 22, 2018 at 6:05 pm
So glad to see someone running against Fine who is anything but fine for the residents of District 53. For too long Fine has repeatedly worked against his constituents and I am thrilled to see him opposed by Moore. Good luck!
Karen Moser
January 22, 2018 at 6:14 pm
It’s about time we had a representative who cares about our environment instead of trying to misappropriate the funds we have set aside to clean up the lagoon. Phil isn’t in the pocket of wealthy special interests, which would be a nice change.
Dorthea White
January 22, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Glad to see Phil Moore, running for District 53. He will be a tremendous asset for Brevard and the people of Florida.
Tom Viola
January 22, 2018 at 6:28 pm
I am excited to see Phil in the race. He brings a deeply felt sense of commitment to environmental and home rule issues. On top of that, he is genuinely a nice guy.
Claudia Thomas
January 22, 2018 at 8:54 pm
Another wonderful addition to the 2018 slate of candidates for Brevard County. Phil will be a REFRESHING change in this district, as will other new faces like Melissa “Mel” Martin and Pam Dirschka. Ride that BLUE 🌊!!!
Mary Paquin
January 22, 2018 at 9:07 pm
I’m so glad to know that Phil Moore is running for District 53. Finally, we have a candidate who cannot be bought, and isn’t beholden to the wealthy special interest groups! Do you want the environment protected? Are you tired of candidates who are controlled by only the wealthy? If so, Phil Moore is your guy! He has integrity and a sincere desire to serve those of us in District 53!
Sara Ann
January 22, 2018 at 9:42 pm
I am proud to support Phil’s candidacy and I wish him success!
Bill Monroe
January 22, 2018 at 10:56 pm
Representative Fine you should be nervous. Support Trump and pay the price.
Joan Crutcher
January 23, 2018 at 12:57 am
Phil Moore is just what we need: strong on the environment and no corps or special interest in his back pocket!
Damani Hosey
January 23, 2018 at 12:59 am
Nice to see Fine challenged by someone who actually cares about our environment and wild spaces. Moore is a refreshing change that Brevard needs.
Gail Meredith
January 25, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Phil is well informed. He has gone to County Commission meetings and Council meetings for a long time and been active in community affairs. He is smart, tough, compassionate, fair, and collaborative. He believes that communities know best what should happen there. He will make a great representative. Randy Fine has lacked a local focus.
Catherine Haynes
January 26, 2018 at 8:03 pm
This is great news for District 53! We need a representative who supports “home rule” and concentrates his time on meaningful endeavors such as our county’s failing infrastructure instead of trite issues such as food stamps recipients purchasing sodas.
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