Election 2024: Husband seeks full term representing District 2

Jack Husband, appointed to the Gulf County Board of County Commissioners by Governor DeSantis on July 28, 2023, is seeking a full four-year term as county commissioner for District 2.

Florida law requires an appointed commissioner to fill the vacant seat until the next general election. The district runs roughly from the Beacon Hill area to the western side of Wewahitchka.

Husband, 43, of 336 Lister Drive in Wewahitchka, was appointed to replace County Commissioner Billy Traylor, who died shortly after being elected in November 2022.

As it stands now, two other Republicans, George “Buddy” Cooper and John Murnan, have also filed letters of intent to seek the commission seat. In the event no Democrats, or individuals without party affiliation, qualify to run, then the election will be decided at the Aug. 20 primary, at which time all voters within the district, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to vote for District 2 county commissioner.

The following statement was submitted by Mr. Husband’s campaign.

Jack Husband is a lifelong resident of Gulf County. As a graduate of Wewahitchka High School Class of 1998, Jack proceeded to Gulf Coast State College to obtain his associate in arts degree in 2000, and then to Florida State University-Tallahassee to obtain his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering in 2004.

Jack immediately went to work after graduation for an engineering firm, and received his professional engineering license in 2008. Branching out on his own after the fall of the economy in 2010, Jack has been humble and self-employed for 14 years. He started a business with one employee in a home office, and over the course of these years with hard work and discipline, has grown to employ over 20 people. Mr. Husband has two local offices to provide career opportunities for great hometown Gulf County residents.

With his 20 years of work experience in engineering, Jack has worked with city and county governments across the Panhandle, along with state and federal governmental permitting agencies. Jack has attended both city and county commissioner meetings since 2004, often in the evening hours. These meetings have provided experience, insight to government operations, critical thinking, and fortitude. This ultimately proves that Jack is the most qualified person to represent the constituents of Gulf County District 2. Jack understands the role and responsibilities of being a county commissioner.

Since Mr. Husband’s appointment by the governor in July 2023, Jack has diligently served the residents of District 2. The following are some notable accomplishments: received board approval for the opening of the Wetappo Transfer Station, updated striping along county roadways and intersections, and trimmed rights-of-way for safer roadway travel. Currently Jack is working to finalize the Overstreet Paving Project and several additional items pertaining to safety and betterment for all of District 2.

Mr. Husband also has many years of community service for Gulf County. Starting out as an acolyte at the First United Methodist Church in his youth, an on to Little League baseball and soccer coach for his children’s teams. For over 15 years, Jack has been a firefighter for the Wewahitchka Volunteer Fire Department, now duly serving as secretary to the department. Also, he has served on the board for the Gulf County Economic Development Alliance from 2014 to 2023, and as a previous board member of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce. 

As a small-town boy now businessman, Jack has a large mindset. He understands property rights, that our Forgotten Coast is now found, and the insight for the government to control growth and expansion of our county. As a business owner since 2010, Jack recognizes that county government is operated similarly to a business. His experience will aid in budgeting, management of county departments, updating policies, planning for the future, infrastructure needs, executive duties, and quasi-judicial hearings. Most of all, Jack has greatly enjoyed being able to help residents get their needs accomplished, meeting and talking with new people, and overall, simply trying to be identified as a benefit to the people and Gulf County.

Jack is married to his wife of 20 years, Christy, and together they have two children, Wyatt, 16, and Kate, 13. In his free time, Jack enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching his children play sports, hunting, and fishing.

Jack has taken on this role very seriously and is here to help. Jack would appreciate your support on August 20 . Please vote for Jack Husband and allow him to continue to serve as Gulf County Commissioner District 2 in a professional manner; to represent you and make everyone proud to live in Gulf County. Please contact Jack Husband anytime via email at commissioner2@gulfcounty-fl.gov or via text/telephone at 850-227-8429.

Each candidate for elected office in Gulf County is provided with the opportunity to run one announcement of their campaign in The Star free of cost. These announcements are submitted by the candidates’ campaigns and must be submitted in advance of qualifying week, June 10 through 14.