ELECTION 2024: Alsobrook to seek tax collector post

Port St. Joe resident Gail Alsobrook has announced her intent to run for Gulf County tax collector.

Alsobrook, 73, of 196 Windmark Way, is seeking to succeed incumbent Shirley Jenkins, who has decided not to seek re-election. 

A Republican, Alsobrook is competing for the nomination against Ashley Forehand, with that contest to be decided in the August primary. The winner would take on Democrat Candye Lewis, who is running as a Democrat.

The following is a statement provided by the Alsobrook campaign

My name is Gail Alsobrook, and I am running for Gulf County tax collector. My love for Gulf County spans decades. My grandparents, Tom and Kate Alsobrook, moved to Port St. Joe in 1939; my grandfather was chief clerk of accounting for the Apalachicola Northern Railroad, and my grandmother was secretary at Port St. Joe High School.

Through the years, I have actively served our community in several capacities, including Habitat for Humanity and the Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition. As a founding member of the Port Theatre Art and Culture Center, I have worked tirelessly to bring the renovation to fruition, including securing over $1.4 million in grant funding. I currently serve as chairwoman of the Gulf County Republican Executive Committee and am a member of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Community Association of Gulf County. 

Educationally, I earned an associate degree, Dean’s List, from Stephens College; bachelor of science, cum laude, from Brigham Young University; project management certificate from San Diego State University; and certificate in fundraising management from Indiana University. 

I served as the executive director of the Port St. Joe Redevelopment Agency for a total of six years. During my tenure, the downtown area was transformed into a charming and vibrant retail center through the Façade Grant Program. I commissioned local artists to create designs for our banner program, which earned the Cultural Enhancement Award from the state of Florida. The redevelopment area was expanded to include North Port St. Joe, enabling the agency to secure funding such as USDA grants to improve MLK Boulevard and improvements to the Washington Gym and Complex. I supplemented the budget with substantial grant awards, and this background in grant writing will enable me to secure additional funding for the tax collector department to upgrade equipment, technology, and professional enhancement programs for the staff. 

Professionally, I served as director of FF&E for TynanGroup, Inc., a real estate development services firm, and director of development for the San Diego Museum of Man. For the past 11 years, I have served as vice president of operations for Hospitality One Construction, specializing in hotel renovations. As such, I have managed the scope, budget, and schedule to successfully complete multi-million-dollar projects; including coordinating with architects, engineers, and ownership groups to bring their vision to reality. I have worked closely with and motivated dozens of construction teams, comprised of up to 35 individuals representing all trades. Success in this industry requires excellence in financial management and a strong understanding of complex operations and regulations. Success also requires proven supervisory, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with a laser focus on customer satisfaction. 

My pledge to you:

• Inform the public of tax obligations and available services, maintain accurate records, collect authorized taxes and fees, and distribute to taxing authorities in accordance with the law.
• Provide professional service that is customer-focused, friendly, accountable, timely, precise, and transparent. Cross-train the team to improve efficiency.
• Institute enhanced training to enable team members to conduct themselves with a sense of pride, confidence, professionalism, and excellence. 

Gulf County is growing exponentially. As of Jan. 1, 2023, new home construction totaled $146.8 million in taxable value, almost double the previous year. Of the total parcels, the vast majority of owners have not filed homestead exemptions. This type of growth, combined with the enormous increase in out-of-town owners, will require skills and oversight beyond the operational requirements of the office to date. 

My experience and qualifications will effectively manage ongoing growth and accompanying challenges. I shall perform all duties in an effective, transparent, and accountable manner. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community in this role, and I look forward to creating a lasting and positive impact on Gulf County. 

For additional information, please email me at AlsobrookforTax Collector@gmail.com.