Carl Crawford, a real estate broker and project manager, is running for Palmetto Bay Village Council Seat 3 in the Nov. 3 election. The nonpartisan seat is open because incumbent Council Member Marsha Matson is vacating it due to term limits, according to Florida Politics.

Asked why he is running, Crawford said in our candidate questionnaire: "Palmetto Bay is my home. My wife and I chose this community to raise our family, and I am seeking the opportunity to serve because I want to help protect what makes our Village special while preparing responsibly for its future."

Candidate information

Residence: Palmetto Bay, Southern Area (Seat 3 district). Crawford said in our questionnaire that he and his wife "have made our home here since 2018."

Family: Crawford said in our questionnaire: "I am married and the father of two children."

Education: Crawford said in our questionnaire: "My education includes studies in Business Administration at Nashville State Technical Institute, along with extensive professional education and training throughout nearly three decades in real estate, property operations, construction, and project management."

Party affiliation: Crawford said in our questionnaire: "The Village of Palmetto Bay Council is a nonpartisan office. I am seeking to represent the residents of District 3 regardless of political party or political affiliation."

Other candidates: A.J. Lara, Alan Farquharson and Lasaly Changkachith are also running for Seat 3, according to BallotReady election data. Crawford registered as a candidate on Aug. 11 and qualified on Aug. 13.

Experience and public service

Crawford said in our questionnaire: "I am a real estate broker, project manager, and owner's representative with nearly 30 years of professional experience. My career has included residential and commercial real estate, construction and project management, property operations, contract and vendor management, budgeting, negotiations, and representing property owners and clients."

He said he represented major banking institutions during the 2008 housing crisis: "That work required managing complex transactions, solving problems under difficult circumstances, negotiating with multiple parties, and remaining accountable for financial results."

Crawford said he has not previously held elected office. "I am approaching public service as a resident, homeowner, businessman, husband, and father rather than as a career politician," he said in our questionnaire.

Asked about accomplishments, Crawford said: "Personally, I recently celebrated 24 years of sobriety and five years cancer-free. Both experiences strengthened my appreciation for discipline, gratitude, perseverance, and service."

On the issues

Growth and development: Crawford said in our questionnaire: "Nearly 30 years in South Florida real estate has taught me that growth is inevitable, but how a community manages that growth determines whether it strengthens or diminishes quality of life." He added: "Palmetto Bay should not pursue development simply for the sake of becoming bigger. We should focus on smart, responsible development that respects our residential neighborhoods, infrastructure capacity, traffic conditions, environmental considerations, and the character and visual integrity of our Village."

Crawford also said he wants to "strengthen our existing commercial corridors. Improving their appearance, attracting quality businesses, and making better use of existing commercial areas can expand our business tax base and help Palmetto Bay invest in its future without placing unnecessary development pressure on established neighborhoods."

Most pressing issue: Crawford said in our questionnaire: "One of Palmetto Bay's most pressing challenges is managing growth while addressing the infrastructure that directly affects residents—particularly traffic, drainage, flooding, and neighborhood quality of life." He said his first-year focus would be "understanding where existing plans stand, what projects are funded, what remains unfunded, and which improvements can realistically be accelerated."

Approach to public service: Asked about the best advice he ever received, Crawford said: "Listen before you speak, and never be afraid to say, 'I don't know, but I will find out.'" He added: "Residents do not expect their elected officials to know everything. They should expect them to listen, ask good questions, seek reliable information, explain their decisions, and follow through."

The election is Nov. 3, 2026.