+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.
I look forward to your support and your vote on August 20, 2025!
MARIA'S MISSION
Empowering Our City Workforce
___
Build a government where
over 4,000 city employees are treated with fairness and respect, supported by competitive compensation, streamlined operations, and responsive customer service systems.
Uplifting Every Neighborhood and Family
___
Partner with all 42
neighborhoods, support local schools, invest in services for children, promote literacy, and help small businesses grow—ensuring every family has access to resources and opportunity.
Creating Jobs and Driving Smart Growth
___
Collaborate with universities
and industry leaders to generate livable-wage jobs, strengthen economic clusters, and build
a future-ready city powered by innovation and inclusion.
ELECT MARIA L. SCRUGGS
PEOPLE OVER POLITICS
It will be my honor to serve you as your Mayor. I look forward to your support and your vote on August 20, 2025!
MARIA'S MISSION
Empowering Our City Workforce
___
Build a government where
over 4,000 city employees are treated
with fairness and respect, supported by competitive compensation, streamlined operations, and responsive customer
service systems.
Uplifting Every Neighborhood and Family
___
Partner with all 42
neighborhoods, support local schools,
invest in services for children, promote literacy, and help small businesses
grow—ensuring every family has access
to resources and opportunity.
Creating Jobs and Driving Smart Growth
___
Collaborate with universities
and industry leaders to generate
livable-wage jobs, strengthen economic clusters, and build 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, Community Corrections 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. The campaign’s mission is to ensure children in St. Petersburg—from birth through age 18—read at or above grade level, both now and for generations to come.
She has also made an impact in early childhood education as Chairwoman of the Happy Workers 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 created the Childs Park Youth Initiative Collaborative (CPYIC), which was recognized as a National Demonstration Project. Under her leadership, the initiative:
Launched the Childs Park Jr. Rattlers Football Program
Established community murals along the Pinellas Trail
Created tutoring sites in walking distance for neighborhood children
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 single Tuesday evening 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, Community Corrections 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. The campaign’s mission is to ensure children in St. Petersburg—from birth through age 18—read at or above grade level, both now and for generations to come.
She has also made an impact in early childhood education as Chairwoman of the Happy Workers 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 created the Childs Park Youth Initiative Collaborative (CPYIC), which was recognized as a National Demonstration Project. Under her leadership, the initiative:
Launched the Childs Park Jr. Rattlers Football Program
Established community murals along the Pinellas Trail
Created tutoring sites in walking distance for neighborhood children
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 single Tuesday evening 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. PERTERSBURG MAYOR
VOTE MARIA L. SCRUGGS
Primary Election Day is August 20th, 2025
FOR ST. PERTERSBURG MAYOR
VOTE MARIA L. SCRUGGS
Primary Election Day is August 20th, 2025
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.