Petreccia Samuels Named Englewood’s 2025 “Mayor for a Day”
ENGLEWOOD, Fla. – Petreccia D. Samuels was announced Thursday evening as Englewood’s 2025 Mayor for a Day after raising more than $17,000 for the Englewood Food Pantry.
The announcement came during a packed event at Landy’s Restaurant, where six candidates competed in this year’s Pioneer Days fundraiser. Collectively, the candidates generated over $65,000 to benefit local nonprofits.
Samuels, who supporters affectionately call “Pet,” thanked the community following the results, crediting both teamwork and her faith for the campaign’s success. Outgoing Mayor Laura Roy congratulated Samuels, calling her “a beacon of hope for those less fortunate in our community.”
Final fundraising totals included:
Petreccia Samuels – Englewood Food Pantry ($17,000)
Darla Mapes – Englewood Recovery Oasis ($13,645)
Ed Kinsey – VFW Post 10178 Veterans Relief Fund (over $11,000)
Addison Morey – Junior Leadership Englewood
Lucy White – YMCA (playground project)
Sonnie Hall – Englewood Area Cancer Foundation
Second-place finisher Darla Mapes thanked her supporters for rallying behind Englewood Recovery Oasis, while Ed Kinsey, who placed third, highlighted the importance of community collaboration.
The Mayor for a Day contest has become a Pioneer Days tradition, designed to raise funds for local organizations while celebrating civic engagement.