Her experience in overseeing logistics, transportation, and operational support in fast-paced, interagency environments showcases her ability to lead during high-pressure situations. She coordinated large-scale planning efforts and supported emergency operations, managing the movement of personnel and assets with clarity and care. Her strategic thinking and problem-solving translated into seamless execution and public trust.
Melony also contributed to policy development and operational guidance that improved readiness and resilience. She championed inclusive and ethical systems that complied with oversight regulations and prioritized people over process. With a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance, she safeguarded sensitive data while upholding public records laws and privacy standards demonstrating her commitment to integrity and trust.
Her advocacy extended to underserved populations, including individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to resources and equitable services. Melony worked alongside senior leaders and stakeholders to address community concerns and strengthen coordination across organizations reflecting the kind of hands-on constituent service needed on the City Council.
As a Substitute Teacher and Paraprofessional, Melony brought these same values into the classroom, especially supporting students with exceptional needs. Her work with children, families, and educators gave her direct insight into the daily struggles residents face and further deepened her commitment to education, youth development, and community empowerment.
Melony is a mission-driven leader who embodies loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, and personal courage. She leads by listening, uniting people, and transforming challenges into action. Her decision-making reflects both compassion and strategy focused on long-term progress over short-term gains.
Her extensive experience in infrastructure planning, operations coordination, policy development, compliance enforcement, budget oversight, and community outreach has fully prepared her to lead on day one. She brings people, policies, and resources together to drive equitable outcomes that build stronger communities and restore public confidence.
Melony’s ability to produce exceptional outcomes in a short time reflects her adaptability, innovation, and clarity of mission. Her proven success in aligning people, policies, systems, and funding around measurable outcomes demonstrates her readiness to govern with wisdom and action. With every challenge, Melony delivered results that improved capability, enhanced equity, and increased trust outcomes essential to leading Tampa’s District 5 forward.
While others may offer promises, Melony brings proven solutions. Her record of excellence is exactly what District 5 needs in this critical moment.
Melony isn’t just prepared to lead she’s prepared to deliver. District 5 deserves more than promises; it deserves a proven, principled leader ready to take action on day one.
As a lifelong resident of District 5 and a proven leader, I understand the importance of practical solutions that uplift every family, strengthen our communities, and create lasting opportunities. I am committed to advancing the work already underway while introducing improvements that reflect the values and needs of District 5.
What’s in Place:
- Affordable housing developments led by University Area CDC and Blue Sky Communities
- City of Tampa’s Tenant Bill of Rights
- CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) mandates requiring 30% of unused funds to go toward affordable housing
Melony’s Commitment:
Melony will continue strengthening affordable housing access by:
- Advocating for increased funding to support home repairs and critical renovations for seniors and low-income families.
- Advocating for greater CRA transparency to ensure funding reaches underserved areas
- Supporting infill housing development that blends into neighborhoods—without promoting high-density tiny-home communities that create stress for families
- Encouraging nonprofit-led rent-to-own and homeownership pathways to help families build generational stability
What’s in Place:
- TPA-WRX Career Resource Hub
- Apprenticeship requirements for City-funded public projects
- Paid internships through Hillsborough County Public Schools
- "Good Jobs, Great Careers" workforce development framework
Melony’s Commitment:
- Expand vocational training and reskilling programs through partnerships with schools and local businesses
- Enhance school-to-career pathways in logistics, trades, hospitality, and technology
- Encourage employer participation in mentorship and local hiring initiatives
What’s in Place:
- “Stay & Play” extended recreation center hours
- Project I Can: youth mentoring and diversion support for ages 12–20
- Community policing and public safety infrastructure improvements
Melony’s Commitment:
Melony believes community safety and youth opportunity go hand in hand. She will:
- Expand community-based programming for youth on weekends and evenings
- Advocate to fund mentorship and after-school programs that focus on leadership, college prep, and mental health
- Partner with returning-citizen initiatives to reduce recidivism and support family reintegration
- Host regular community forums and neighborhood safety audits to build trust and accountability between residents and police
What’s in Place:
- Tampa MOVES plan and Vision Zero pedestrian safety initiative
- “Fix It Fast” road repair program
- Federal grants to reconnect neighborhoods and extend the Riverwalk
- E-bike and micro-mobility programs
Melony’s Commitment:
Melony understands that transportation is more than getting from point A to B—it’s about access, safety, and opportunity. She will:
- Fight for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements near schools, parks, and senior centers
- Advocate for increased HART bus frequency and shorter wait times in underserved areas
- Support community ride-share and shuttle pilot programs for seniors and disabled residents
- Ensure transparency and equity in how transportation dollars are spent in District 5
District 5 is filled with strength, resilience, and promise. I believe in solutions that are realistic, community-driven, and built upon what’s already working. My commitment is to keep listening, keep showing up, and keep fighting for the investments our district needs not just for today, but for generations to come.
WE CAN and WE WILL create a District 5 that works for EVERYONE. Join our movement for neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and economic opportunity.
"Together, we can move District 5 forward by strengthening our neighborhoods, ensuring safer communities, creating new opportunities, and securing the future our families deserve."
District 5 is filled with strength, resilience, and promise. I believe in solutions that are realistic, community-driven, and built upon what’s already working. My commitment is to keep listening, keep showing up, and keep fighting for the investments our district needs not just for today, but for generations to come.
WE CAN and WE WILL create a District 5 that works for EVERYONE. Join our movement for neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and economic opportunity.
"Together, we can move District 5 forward by strengthening our neighborhoods, ensuring safer communities, creating new opportunities, and securing the future our families deserve."
Melony 4 Tampa City Council District 5
P.O. Box 122, Cedaredge, CO 81413