+1 (727) 621-8037
P.O. Box 35211
St. Petersburg FL 33705
ELECT MARIA L. SCRUGGS
PEOPLE OVER POLITICS
It will be my honor to serve you as your Mayor.
MARIA'S MISSION
Partnering with Our City's 4,000 Employees
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Create a positive work environment that promotes efficiency and effectiveness.
Ensure compensation and benefits are comparable to or exceed those of surrounding cities.
Facilitate a positive working relationship with all collective bargaining units.
Partnering with Neighborhoods and Families
___
Support strategic planning that uplifts the 42 distinct neighborhoods.
Collaborate with housing stakeholders to ensure unhoused individuals and families have decent housing.
Target solutions for neighborhoods experiencing flooding.
Support public and private schools to ensure students receive a quality education.
Design resiliency strategies that protect our city’s natural environment.
Partnering with Industry Leaders, Foundations, Nonprofits, and Educational Institutions to Create Livable-Wage Jobs and Drive Smart Growth
___
Create economic clusters that expand business opportunities for small businesses.
Leverage the city’s assets to serve as the basis for rebranding St. Petersburg as a destination location.
Create opportunities that allow for a future-ready city powered by innovation and inclusion.
M
A
ELECT MARIA L. SCRUGGS
PEOPLE OVER POLITICS
It will be my honor to serve you as your Mayor.
MARIA'S MISSION
Partnering with Our
City's 4,000 Employees
___
Create a positive work environment that promotes efficiency and effectiveness.
Ensure compensation and benefits are comparable to or exceed those of surrounding cities.
Facilitate a positive working relationship with all collective bargaining units.
Partnering with
Neighborhoods and Families
___
Support strategic planning that uplifts the 42 distinct neighborhoods.
Collaborate with housing stakeholders to ensure unhoused individuals and families have decent housing.
Target solutions for neighborhoods experiencing flooding.
Support public and private schools to ensure students receive a quality education.
Design resiliency strategies that protect our city’s natural environment.
Partnering with Industry Leaders, Foundations, Nonprofits, and Educational Institutions to Create Livable-Wage Jobs and Drive Smart Growth
___
Create economic clusters that expand business opportunities for small businesses.
Leverage the city’s assets to serve as the basis for rebranding St. Petersburg as a destination location.
Create opportunities that allow for a future-ready city powered by innovation and inclusion.
ABOUT
MARIA L. SCRUGGS, MPA, CPM
Maria was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has spent her life dedicated to public service, leadership, and community empowerment. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University and a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Public Policy from Grand Canyon University.
With over 40 years of experience in public service and nonprofit leadership, Maria currently serves as a Jail Administrator, overseeing Pretrial Release Supervision, Pretrial Diversion, Support & Training, and Drug Testing—commuting daily to Orlando for 19 years with unwavering commitment.
Maria is the Founder and CEO of The Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign, Inc., created in response to the alarming reality that only 25% of African children in Pinellas County Schools were reading on grade level.
Maria has also made an impact in early childhood education. She served as Chairwoman of the Happy Workers Learning Center Board, where she successfully negotiated a transformative agreement with R’Club. This partnership resulted in a new childcare campus, local job opportunities, and expanded community-based services for infants and toddlers.
Maria has a strong legacy in youth development and community action. She designed the Childs Park Youth Initiative Collaborative (CPYIC), which was recognized as a National Demonstration Project. Under her leadership, the initiative:
Founded the Childs Park Jr. Rattlers Football Program
Established community murals along the Pinellas Trail
Created tutoring sites within walking distance.
In the area of civil rights, Maria served as President of the St. Petersburg Branch NAACP, actively responding to discrimination complaints. Despite her full-time job in Orlando, she never missed a Tuesday evening in-person general meeting or Saturday board meeting.
Her contributions to health advocacy are also noteworthy. She was:
Recognized by BMW as a Local Hero for developing breast cancer education programming at St. Anthony’s Hospital
Honored by Susan G. Komen for founding the Sistah for Breast Health Program, which led to life-saving mammogram education and early detection of breast cancer for many women in the community
Maria’s credentials reflect her lifelong dedication to leadership and service:
State of Florida Certified Public Manager
Graduate, National Jail Leadership Command Academy
Graduate, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Executive Leadership Institute
Graduate, Public Safety Leadership Academy
Graduate, Front Line Leadership Academy
Graduate, FDLE Special Agent Academy
Graduate, Florida Department of Alcohol, Beverage & Tobacco
Graduate, Basic Police Recruit Academy
She is a proud mother and grandmother. From her previous marriage, she has one daughter, Shelynn, a stepdaughter, Bernetta, and two grandsons, Danny (aka Tre D) and Quincy. Maria is a devoted member of Historic Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Her life’s work is a testament to integrity, persistence, and a deep-rooted passion for uplifting the people and communities of St. Petersburg.
ABOUT
MARIA L. SCRUGGS, MPA, CPM
Maria was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has spent her life dedicated to public service, leadership, and community empowerment. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University and a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Public Policy from Grand Canyon University.
With over 40 years of experience in public service and nonprofit leadership, Maria currently serves as a Jail Administrator, overseeing Pretrial Release Supervision, Pretrial Diversion, Support & Training, and Drug Testing—commuting daily to Orlando for 19 years with unwavering commitment.
Maria is the Founder and CEO of The Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign, Inc., created in response to the alarming reality that only 25% of African children in Pinellas County Schools were reading on grade level.
Maria has also made an impact in early childhood education. She served as Chairwoman of the Happy Workers Learning Center Board, where she successfully negotiated a transformative agreement with R’Club. This partnership resulted in a new childcare campus, local job opportunities, and expanded community-based services for infants and toddlers.
Maria has a strong legacy in youth development and community action. She designed the Childs Park Youth Initiative Collaborative (CPYIC), which was recognized as a National Demonstration Project. Under her leadership, the initiative:
Founded the Childs Park Jr. Rattlers Football Program
Established community murals along the Pinellas Trail
Created tutoring sites within walking distance.
In the area of civil rights, Maria served as President of the St. Petersburg Branch NAACP, actively responding to discrimination complaints. Despite her full-time job in Orlando, she never missed a Tuesday evening in-person general meeting or Saturday board meeting.
Her contributions to health advocacy are also noteworthy. She was:
Recognized by BMW as a Local Hero for developing breast cancer education programming at St. Anthony’s Hospital
Honored by Susan G. Komen for founding the Sistah for Breast Health Program, which led to life-saving mammogram education and early detection of breast cancer for many women in the community
Maria’s credentials reflect her lifelong dedication to leadership and service:
State of Florida Certified Public Manager
Graduate, National Jail Leadership Command Academy
Graduate, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Executive Leadership Institute
Graduate, Public Safety Leadership Academy
Graduate, Front Line Leadership Academy
Graduate, FDLE Special Agent Academy
Graduate, Florida Department of Alcohol, Beverage & Tobacco
Graduate, Basic Police Recruit Academy
She is a proud mother and grandmother. From her previous marriage, she has one daughter, Shelynn, a stepdaughter, Bernetta, and two grandsons, Danny (aka Tre D) and Quincy. Maria is a devoted member of Historic Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Her life’s work is a testament to integrity, persistence, and a deep-rooted passion for uplifting the people and communities of St. Petersburg.
FOR ST. PETERSBURG MAYOR
VOTE MARIA L. SCRUGGS
FOR ST. PETERSBURG MAYOR
VOTE MARIA L. SCRUGGS
3 Ways to Vote
Vote-by-Mail
___
For more information
regarding vote-by-mail
Early Vote
___
Cast your vote at an early voting location between August 00 – August 00 from 9 AM – 7 PM. For more information
Election Day
___
Cast your vote on Election Day! The primary will take place Tuesday, Wednesday 20th. To find your polling place
3 Ways to Vote
Vote-by-Mail
___
For more information
regarding vote-by-mail
Early Vote
___
Cast your vote at an early voting location between August 00 – August 00 from 9 AM – 7 PM. For more information
Election Day
___
Cast your vote on Election Day! The primary will take place Wednesday, August 20th. To find your polling place
Your vote for Maria L. Scruggs means bold leadership, proven service, and a brighter future for every neighborhood in St. Petersburg.
JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN
Every contribution makes a real difference.
Thank you for helping us move our campaign forward.
Your vote for Maria L. Scruggs means bold leadership, proven service, and a brighter future for every neighborhood in St. Petersburg.
JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN
Every contribution makes a real difference.
Thank you for helping us move our campaign forward.
VOLUNTEER TODAY
Help elect Maria L. Scruggs for Mayor of St. Petersburg, FL
by signing up to volunteer with our campaign.
CONTACT US
Help elect Maria L. Scruggs for Mayor of St. Petersburg, FL
by making a donation today.
+1 (727) 621-8037
MariaforMayor.com
P.O. Box 35211 St. Petersburg FL 33705
Campaign donations are not deductible for federal tax purposes.
VOLUNTEER TODAY
Help elect Maria L. Scruggs for Mayor of St. Petersburg, FL
by signing up to volunteer with our campaign.