The City of Plant City municipal elections will be held on April 8. The vote will be for the two City Commissioner seats currently held by Mayor Nate Kilton and Vice-Mayor Jason Jones. If a runoff date is necessary, that will happen on May 27. City Commissioner terms are three years, and begin in June of the election year. Annual compensation for the position is $9,741.59
“I’m running for re-election to the Plant City Commission in order to continue to serve this community that I love,” Mayor Nate Kilton said. “For more than two decades, I’ve been engaged in the civic life of Plant City because I believe in giving generously of my time, talent, and treasures.”
Kilton has a degree in accounting, a degree in finance, and an MBA. In addition to his current role as mayor, Kilton previously served as vice-mayor, city commissioner, Planning Board member, and chairman of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
“I often say that, “It’s always a great day in Plant City,” Kilton commented. “That doesn’t mean that it’s always easy, or that we don’t see trials and tribulations. What it means is that we always rise to the occasion….I’ve always been amazed and inspired by the response from our citizens. Individuals and civic organizations rally together with our local government to take care of our people. This interaction is vital. Local government can’t do it all, so we need strong working relationships with our non-profit community.”
Kilton is a Certified Public Accountant, so he has knowledge about the complicated inner workings of governmental accounting. “I know how hard you work, and I don’t want to be irresponsible with your hard earned dollars,” he said. “Public safety is priority number one. I’m very proud to support our police department and fire rescue….Our infrastructure is also critically important. The city has one of the lowest real estate tax rates in the area, and a percentage of that is dedicated to road resurfacing.”
“We are defined by our faith, generosity, care and concern for others, agricultural roots, family values, commitment to excellence, respect for the rule of law, and appreciation for veterans, military, and first responders,” Kilton commented. “That’s why so many people want to live, work, and play in Plant City. However, the growth needs to be manageable, and above all else, we cannot lose our identity.”
Jason Jones has been a city commissioner since 2022. Prior to this position, he served in roles on the Board of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, and was its chairman in 2018. In addition, he was Plant City YMCA Chairman from 2014 to 2016, Boy Scouts of America, Timucua District Chairman in 2021 and 2022, and joined the Plant City Veterans Week Committee. He is currently active as an Ambassador for the Plant City Chamber, serving his 20th year, and BayCare’s St. Joseph Hospital Foundation Investment Committee. Also, Jones is the founder and chairman for Planes, Trains, and Automobiles—an annual event at the Plant City Airport.
“It has been my absolute honor to serve as a Plant City Commissioner for the past three years. During this time, I have often been asked why I dedicate so much time to attending events, meetings, and community initiatives, and how I manage to attend multiple events daily, including weekends and holidays. The answer is simple: I truly love Plant City. Plant City has given so much to my family, my business, and me personally. Giving back to this incredible community is not just a duty, it’s a passion. When you genuinely love what you do, serving becomes second nature. That’s why I am running for re-election to the Plant City Commission this year. I want to continue working for our community, not only to give back but also to see through several important projects already in motion.”
One initiative that is especially close to Jones’ heart is the Plant City Youth Commission, which he launched in his first year in office. This program was a tremendous success, offering local youth an opportunity to learn about government and develop leadership skills.
“Plant City is more than just where I serve—it’s my home,” Jones commented. “My commitment to our community remains stronger than ever, and I look forward to continuing to serve the Plant City community.”
To qualify to run for these offices, candidates must be residents of the City of Plant City, who have lived within City Limits for at least one year. Candidates pay an election assessment fee of $97.42 (one percent of the annual salary) along with a $25.00 filing fee. Qualifying packets can be picked up at the City Clerk’s office before the qualifying week. Fees and forms are due during the qualify period—which is from noon on February 17 to noon on February 21. If a candidate runs for an office seat unopposed, there is no election held for that seat.
For more information about running for these positions see https://www.plantcitygov.com/cityclerk/page/2025-election-qualifying-dates-city-commissioner-group-1-and-group-2.