For the People: A Closer Look at My Background and Experience

Your Official Source for Hawthorne, Florida’s Story — Only on Prezbook.com

HAWTHORNE, Fla. — Hawthorne is in a season where growth is no longer just an idea, rather, we are now a city standing at the threshold of change. As a lifelong resident of Hawthorne, I've seen how our city has largely remained the same over the decades. However, the decisions made today will shape what this city becomes in the years ahead.

That is why I decided to run for Hawthorne City Commission, Seat 3.

I am running because I believe Hawthorne has an opportunity to grow, but that growth has to be handled with preparation, communication, and respect for the people who already call this city home.

My background sits at the intersection of business, communication, real estate, and community development. I am a graduate of both Santa Fe College and the University of Florida, where I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Mass Communication.

In 2019, I founded Presidential Designs, LLC, a marketing and consulting company that has worked with nonprofits, businesses, authors, law firms, real estate professionals, and public initiatives. One of those efforts included work connected to the City of Gainesville’s 2020 Census campaign, where communication and outreach were central to reaching residents.

I have also worked in political campaign leadership. I served as campaign manager for an Alachua County Sheriff’s race, helping guide messaging, outreach, advertising, digital strategy, and voter communication. That campaign reached more than 100,000 people and generated more than 260,000 impressions across digital platforms, television, and direct voter communication.

That experience gave me a close look at how public messaging, budgets, timing, and organization all come together when people are making decisions that affect a community.

My background also includes larger-scale logistics and production work. I helped coordinate travel, scheduling, production details, and budget-related planning for a documentary project spanning Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, and New Jersey. That work required coordination across multiple cities, moving parts, timelines, and people.

I have also worked with the National Center for Construction Education and Research, where I was involved in communications, social media strategy, campaign execution, partnerships, and workforce development messaging on a national level.

Today, much of my day-to-day work is in real estate across North Central Florida. In 2025, I facilitated approximately $2.45 million in real estate volume, followed by approximately $1.38 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Through that work, I have seen firsthand how housing demand, development patterns, investment, and community perception influence whether a place grows with intention or simply reacts to what happens around it.

That experience has also brought me directly into conversations about Hawthorne’s future. I am involved on the selling side of West Lake, a planned 400-home residential development near Hawthorne, and I have met with and hosted several investors interested in placing millions of dollars into the Hawthorne area.

Those conversations have shaped how I see the moment Hawthorne is in.

To me, growth is not just about rooftops or new development. It is about whether the city is prepared to guide that growth in a way that benefits residents, supports local businesses, protects community identity, and creates real opportunity.

That is why issues like grocery access, schools, housing, infrastructure, economic development, and communication from city leadership matter so much in this race.

I believe Hawthorne needs smart, controlled growth that reflects what residents actually want. I also believe our city must do a better job telling its story, supporting its businesses, and positioning itself for the opportunities already moving toward Eastern Alachua County.

As voters consider who should serve in Seat 3, I want residents to understand the perspective I bring. My campaign is centered on preparation, business-minded leadership, communication, and the ability to move projects and partnerships forward.

For me, this race is ultimately about Hawthorne’s future.

For many voters, the question will be how each candidate’s background translates into true, effective leadership. My experience reflects a combination of business acumen, political strategy, and real estate expertise—areas that will remain central to our city’s future.

I hope this letter to you, collectively "the people," gives you further insight into why I am working so hard to get the opportunity to fight for the City of Champions, and in time, I hope my efforts prove to earn your vote.

Thank you,

Candidate for Hawthorne City Commission Seat 3

Meet the Voice Behind The Champion Times: Ronald J. Cobb II

I’m Ronald J. Cobb II—lifelong resident of Hawthorne and a candidate for Hawthorne City Commission Seat 3, with the election taking place on Tuesday, June 9th.

I’m also a University of Florida graduate, local business owner, and licensed Real Estate Sales Associate with Pepine Realty.

I’ve walked the streets of this town since I was a kid. I’ve seen its quiet seasons—and now, I’m helping to shape its comeback. Through The Champion Times, I’m committed to telling the full story of Hawthorne—the one the headlines often miss.

This isn’t just where I live. It’s where I lead, build, and believe.

My mission is simple:

To position Hawthorne, Florida as the best place to live, work, invest, and grow in Alachua County and beyond.

This is more than news—The story of Hawthorne Florida is a narrative all of America can be proud of.

Whether it's here, in business, or in Real Estate, I look forward to continued service to our great community.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Ronald James Cobb II, Candidate for Hawthorne City Commission Seat 3.