Candidate: Steven Sharp

Leadership is serious business. Leadership is more than catchy buzzwords and photo ops. Leadership involves making critical decisions, often in high-pressure situations with consequential risks. Leadership requires the ability to connect authentically, build confidence in others, and inspire and motivate people into action.  The Mayor is not the boss of the city.  The mayor is elected by and works for the citizens of the city, from whom his authority is granted.

Steve Sharp has proudly served the Pensacola community for over 30 years, starting out as a volunteer firefighter in his early twenties.  He went on to serve as the Director of the Protection Services Department for the Escambia County School District for over 11 years.  In that position, he was responsible for leading the security, safety, and environmental operations for our school district of over 40,000 students and 7,000 employees.  Steve also served as a paramedic with Escambia E.M.S, flight medic with Baptist Life Flight, and most recently as a deputy sheriff with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

While not a native, Steve has lived in Pensacola since he was about six years old when his dad, a Master Chief Petty Officer, was transferred to NAS Pensacola and moved the family here.  After his dad retired, they decided to make Pensacola their home.  His mother worked for and retired from the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office.  Steve grew up on the west side of town, graduating from Pine Forest High School and later attending Pensacola Junior College. 

Steve has two daughters – Stephanie who attended Washington High School and Florida State University, and Tori who attended Pensacola High School–IB and Auburn University.  Since moving back home to Pensacola to start their careers, both Stephanie and Tori have been recognized as Rising Stars by the Independent News.  While his daughters were growing up in Cordova Park, he coached their youth soccer and softball teams at Roger Scott Athletic Complex.  He was also involved with their youth group at First United Methodist Church, where he also served on the church's administrative board.

Steve Sharp is running for Mayor because he wants all of Pensacola to realize its full potential. Ultimately, our city government is here to serve all of our citizens and businesses within the city limits, regardless of where they live, work, or play.  We all deserve to have a Mayor who puts our best interests first.  Steve will work to ensure that all of our neighborhoods are safe for our families, that all parks and community centers are clean and accessible, that all neighborhoods have good roadways and sidewalks, that our fire department and police department respond in a timely manner, and that all citizens are treated courteously and professionally when interacting with city employees. 

Steve also understands that economic growth is vital to our community. He will work with our business community to continue to grow and strengthen our economic base. 

As the son of a retired Master Chief Petty Officer, Steve is also keenly aware of the importance of the military in our community and will maintain steadfast support for all of our bases and their missions.