Candidate Profile: Tana Llinas — Palmetto Bay Council Seat 1

Office sought:

Palmetto Bay Council Seat 1

Election date:

Nov. 3, 2026

Campaign website:

TanaLlinas.com

Why are you running for Palmetto Bay Council Seat 1?

Palmetto Bay is where my husband and I are raising our two sons, where I own and run a successful small business, and where I have spent more than a decade actively serving our community.

I’m running because I want to protect the quality of life that makes our Village special while helping prepare it for the future. I believe local government works best when residents feel heard, taxpayer dollars are respected, and decisions are thoughtful, transparent and focused on long-term results.

What are the three most important issues currently facing Palmetto Bay residents?

Traffic and mobility, responsible development, and infrastructure — including drainage and flooding — are three of the most pressing and interconnected issues.

Growth must respect our zoning, infrastructure and Village character. At the same time, we must improve mobility, address cut-through traffic and invest in the basic infrastructure residents depend on every day.

What experience best prepares you to serve on the Village Council?

II have nearly 20 years of experience as a small business owner, specializing in communications and managing budgets, teams, clients and complex projects. Locally, I have served as Chairwoman of the Palmetto Bay Business Association and President of the Mangowood Estates Citizens Association, working directly with residents, businesses and community leaders.

Those experiences taught me how to listen, build consensus, solve problems and, most importantly, get things done.

What would be your first major priority if elected?

If Amendment 3 passes, the budget and Village finances will be the priority.

Other pressing issues include certain development properties that will require tough negotiations.

How would you address concerns such as traffic, development, infrastructure, public safety, village finances and quality of life?

These issues cannot be addressed in silos. Development decisions affect traffic, drainage, public services and ultimately our quality of life. I support enforcing our Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations while recognizing the challenges created by state laws such as the Live Local Act.

We must continue investing in stormwater and infrastructure, maintain strong law-enforcement services and scrutinize spending to ensure residents receive value for their tax dollars. Palmetto Bay’s FY2026 budget allocated nearly $11.8 million to public safety, underscoring how significant these priorities are to Village finances.

How do you plan to remain accessible and accountable to residents?

By being present. I’ve knocked on more than 2,600 doors because I believe the best way to understand our community is to talk directly with the people who live here.

As a Councilmember, I would continue that accessibility through community meetings, neighborhood visits, regular communication and direct conversations with residents. I will explain my decisions, listen to differing perspectives and never forget who I work for.

What distinguishes you from the other candidates in this race?

I can speak to what I bring to the position: nearly two decades of business leadership combined with years of hands-on community service.

I have led both business and neighborhood organizations, managed budgets and teams, organized community initiatives and worked with people who don’t always agree.

My approach is collaborative, strategic and solutions-focused.

I’m not running to represent one group or one issue; I’m running to serve the entire Village.

Anything else voters should know?

This is my first time running for public office, but certainly not my first time serving Palmetto Bay. I’m a neighbor, mother, business owner and community volunteer who genuinely loves this Village. I will bring energy, preparation and a business-minded approach to Council while protecting our parks, neighborhoods, finances and quality of life.

Most importantly, I will show up, listen and work hard for the people of Palmetto Bay.