Tana Llinas is running for Palmetto Bay Village Council Seat 1 in the Nov. 3 nonpartisan election. The seat is being vacated by term-limited incumbent Patrick Fiore, according to Florida Politics. Llinas faces Pam Gorman in the race.

Asked why she is running, Llinas said in our candidate questionnaire: "I love this community and want to protect what makes it special while planning wisely for its future. … I'm not a career politician. I'm a neighbor who listens, builds relationships, and brings people together to find practical solutions."

She added: "My priorities are clear: protect our parks and green space, ensure growth respects zoning and infrastructure, address traffic and overdevelopment, and make fiscally responsible decisions with your tax dollars."

Llinas registered as a candidate on Feb. 24 and qualified on Aug. 4, according to the Village of Palmetto Bay's registered candidates list.

Candidate information

Residence and family: Llinas said in our questionnaire: "Originally from Iowa, I have made Palmetto Bay my home the past 12 years with my husband, Dr. Leopoldo Llinás, our two teenage boys and our rescue dog, Astro. My father was a former Council Member and my brother is currently a Colonel in the U.S. Marines."

Family in government: Asked whether anyone in her family works in politics or government, Llinas said in our questionnaire: "My brother, Scott Martin is a United States Marine, Colonel."

Education: Llinas said in our questionnaire: "I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). … I'm also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, where I serve as an Ambassador for Cohort 26."

Party affiliation: "This is a non-partisan position," Llinas said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Llinas said she is the founder, CEO and chief creative officer of Brand Poets, a Miami-based brand marketing agency. Asked about her work history in our questionnaire, she said: "Over more than 18 years in the creative industry, I've worked with major brands and institutions including VISA, Starbucks, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami Dade College, and the University of Miami."

She also described community leadership roles, saying in our questionnaire: "As past President and current board member of the Mangowood Estates Citizens Association (MECA), I've helped lead a volunteer association of nearly 300 homes. … As Chairwoman of the Palmetto Bay Business Association, I guided the organization through COVID, one of the hardest times our local businesses have ever faced, and still grew our membership."

Asked about accomplishments, Llinas said in our questionnaire: "I received the Village's Small Business Award in 2022."

On the issues

Land use and the former FPL property: Asked about the most important zoning decision ahead, Llinas said in our questionnaire: "One of the most important issues facing Palmetto Bay is the future of the former FPL power-plant property near Biscayne Bay, which remains in active litigation." She said the current owner purchased the site in 2018 and "is seeking higher-density development and water access. A plan shared earlier this year included finger-lake canals that would permanently alter our waterfront and its wildlife habitat."

Traffic and overdevelopment: Llinas told the Miami Herald: "We need a comprehensive mobility plan that improves how we move through our village, while ensuring new development follows our zoning laws and aligns with our infrastructure."

Why run now: Asked why she chose this moment to seek office, Llinas said in our questionnaire: "Because our community needs fresh ideas and positive, strategic thinkers. My experience leading organizations, growing a business, and bringing neighbors together has prepared me to take on this role and deliver real results for Palmetto Bay."

Best advice: Llinas said in our questionnaire: "Listen more than you speak, because people will tell you what they need."

Llinas said in our questionnaire that Fiore's term ends in December, when the winner of Seat 1 would take office.