Council – District 2

  A native Virginian, James has been married 30 years to his best friend Janice. They are the proud parents of children, Cherie & James, guardians of twins Keith & Kevin, and grandparents of three.  The Smiths moved to Groveland in 1993 after James completed a military career spanning 20 years. Shortly after arriving, he found new ways to serve by becoming involved in the leadership of his church and community as well as other city, state and political organizations.

Mr. Smith has served on Groveland’s Planning and Zoning Board, 1995-1999, Groveland Citizen Advisory Board, 1996-1998, the Groveland City Council, 1999-2003, 2008-2010, and Groveland Mayor, 2004-2006. After taking a year off, he ran a successful campaign to be elected for a two-year term to the District 2 seat. In addition, James is a member and current president of Lake County Democratic Black Caucus, American Legion Post 239, Lake~Sumter Community College Diversity & Equity Committee, Friends of the Marion Baysinger Memorial Library, and the Groveland Historical Society.

Mr. Smith is employed as an educator with the Hillsborough County School District. He has a BS in Business Management from Coker College, and has completed fifteen semester hours toward a Masters in Public Administration through Troy University. James attended the Florida League of Cities Institute for Elected Municipal Officials and the Advanced Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. He participated and graduated from numerous leadership, environmental and management programs.

In his spare time, Mr. Smith, enjoys spending time with his extended family and friends, attending church, and sports functions.

You can contact Councilman Smith at james.smith@groveland-fl.gov