About Mike

Introduction: Mike Poniatowski announces his candidacy for the At Large Seat of the Volusia County Council in the 2026 elections.
Background:
Lifelong resident of Volusia County, grew up on the beach and graduated from Spruce Creek High School in 1977.
Diverse career in public safety: Firefighter (5 years), Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff (37 years), Paramedic/EMT (35 years), SWAT Team member, flight medic, marine deputy, EMS instructor, and Director of Operations for EVAC Ambulance (22 years).
Extensive leadership experience as Emergency Manager for Florida’s largest hospital system and US Government contractor overseas.
Community Involvement:
Resides in Port Orange with his wife Lydia; have lived in the same home for 37 years.
Active participant in preserving the rural character of Tomoka Farms Village, fighting against development threats for over three decades.
Concerns for Volusia County:
Witnessed rapid growth, erosion of green spaces, and lagging infrastructure development causing traffic congestion and flooding issues.
Advocates for better management of taxes and fees with tangible results for residents.

Paid for by Mike Poniatowski for Volusia County Council at Larg

Educational Credentials:
Holds degrees in Emergency Medical Sciences, Management and Supervision, Political Science, and pursued advanced studies in Homeland Security, Emergency Management, and Public Health.
Certified EMT and Paramedic with numerous national and international credentials.
Vision and Commitment:
Pledges to represent citizens as his sole "special interest."
Promises fiscal responsibility, careful evaluation of development projects to prevent flooding, and protection of residents' homes and legacies.
Plans to address flooding issues with urgency and replace ineffective staff if necessary.
Personal Life:
Family-oriented with three daughters, three granddaughters, a brand new Grandson, pets, horses, and wildlife at home.
Enjoys outdoor activities like shooting sports and teaching community courses on active shooter survival and emergency response.
Closing Statement: Mike looks forward to serving Volusia County residents with dedication, listening to their concerns, and working tirelessly to improve their quality of life.

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As you know we have been fighting the Creek Crossing development, in unincorporated Volusia County / Port Orange for almost a full year. If this subdivision is allowed to go through it will be the final blow to the Spruce Creek Watershed because it will be built right on Spruce Creek, a designated Florida Historic Waterway - destroying thousands, yes thousands, we counted them, of old growth oaks among others and it will destroy wildlife habitat and displace hundreds of millions of gallons of storm water runoff. This will flood Spruce Creek Fly In, A Quiet Place in the Country and Spruce Creek Farms among others. With Spruce Creeks decades long lack of maintenance, this will cause further upstream flooding and addition tail water that will end up in our living rooms and garages. This is historically accurate information! Please share this video widely to get our message out. We forced the developer to withdraw their PUD and now they are coming back with a Conservation Subdivision that actually places a pickleball court over a designated wetland that they plan to fill.

We need your help! We must stop Creek Crossing!!!

#stopcreekcrossing @everyone