Wendy Torrel
for Horseshoe Beach
Building a Better Future
My vision for Horseshoe Beach is to initiate a fresh start for the town, promoting a return to safety, a sense of well-being, and sustainable growth while preserving its unique fishing village history. Transparency and community engagement are at the core of my campaign.
Empowering the Community
My campaign focuses on empowering the local community, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among residents. Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant Horseshoe Beach.
Open Communication
I pledge to maintain open communication, engage with residents, and create a sense of unity and belonging within the town. This isn't just about accountability; it's about fostering that small-town feel where everyone feels connected and aware.
Timely Communication
You deserve timely and informative updates about what's happening in our town. I want to see monthly updates and quicker responses to public requests.
Return to Local News and Notifications
Some of you may remember “The Water Log”, a newsletter under Mayor Katherine Hutchinson. I would love to bring back that personal, concise, and informative touch from Town Hall to keep everyone in the loop, as well as timely online notifications that everyone can access.
Protecting Our Wetlands and Water Quality
Our wetlands are the heart of Horseshoe Beach! They're not just beautiful - they are essential for:
Healthy Fishing and Harvesting
Our commercial and recreational fishing thrives on clean, healthy estuaries. Wetlands filter waste, creating a perfect environment for fish, shellfish, and the delicious scallops we all love. In fact, 96% of our commercial harvest depends on them!
Storm Protection
Our tidal marshes and oyster reefs are vital buffers, absorbing wave energy and stabilizing our shorelines during storms. We've lost a lot of these protective barriers, and we need to work together to restore and protect them.
Clean Water and Healthy Marine Life
Wetlands act like natural filters, keeping our waters clean and supporting the abundance of fish and shellfish our economy relies on; the cleaner our waters, the safer and tastier our local seafood. Horseshoe Beach is part of The Big Bend Shellfish Trail, highlighting the importance of our ecosystem!
Enjoying Nature
From fishing and scalloping to kayaking and bird watching, our healthy wetlands provide endless outdoor adventures for everyone. Let's ensure these experiences are here for generations to come.
Preparing for What's Next: Weathering the Storms
As coastal residents, we know all too well the impact of hurricanes, floods and high winds. We have all seen, or experienced firsthand, the devastating impact these storms can have on our homes, businesses, and lives.
Learning From Experience
My own family has experienced major storms beginning with the flooding of one home and the loss of another due to the "Storm of the Century" in 1993; and ending with the loss of my home in Hurricane Helene, reduced to its concrete slab foundation. I understand the personal and community impact. Through this I have also seen the incredible resilience of our community. I am committed to finding ways to help us all withstand and recover from future storms.
Understanding the Risks
Storms are becoming more frequent and intense due to a changing environment.
Finding Solutions and Building Resilience
While we can't stop storms, we can reduce the risks. I will prioritize hurricane mitigation, seeking solutions, educating our community, and assisting with preparedness.
Preserving Heritage
Horseshoe Beach has a rich history as a fishing-focused town on the 'nature coast'. I am committed to preserving this heritage while paving the way for a prosperous future.
My goal is to rally support for much-needed solutions for Horseshoe's fishing industry. Captains, fishing guides/charters, and anglers must come together to show how important Florida’s waters and estuaries are to our small businesses and quality of life.