Kicking open the door to running for governor in 2018, Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine announced on Thursday that this would be his last term in his current post and he was interested in solving problems across the state.
Levine, who is considered a likely candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2018 when Gov. Rick Scott faces term limits, released a Web video on Thursday where he called for “fresh ideas, fresh leadership” and mulling over “how best to serve my community and my state.” In the video, Levine also said he would lead efforts “on how to make Florida a leader in the 21st century economy” and working on environmental, education and civil rights issues.
In the video, Levine said Florida could take a page from a popular song from Gloria Estefan. Quoting Estefan’s “Get on Your Feet,” Levine said the Sunshine State should follow her lyrics.
“Get on your feet. Get up and make it happen. Get on your feet. Stand up and take some action”
Unknown to many voters in the state, Levine also showcased his record in office, saying he helped turned the city around, in the Web video.
Levine, who turns 55 next month, was elected mayor of Miami Beach in 2013, winning a second term in 2015. For most of the last three decades, Levine has been based out of Miami Beach where he has done well in business, including serving as CEO of Royal Media Partners which has worked with Royal Caribbean Cruises in recent years. Before serving as mayor, Levine also worked on a U.S. Commerce Department task force promoting tourism.
With Scott facing term limits in 2018, Levine is not the only Democrat looking at running for mayor. Other potential candidates for the Democratic nomination include Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, attorney John Morgan and former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy.
