A third-generation Winter Haven resident, Kalogridis grew up, played, and still lives on the same streets she did as a child. Her grandfather, the late Tony Kalogridis, owned Tony\u2019s Pharmacy, and her father, Steve Kalogridis, spent years giving back through the Boys and Girls Club. Now, she\u2019s raising her three children in the same community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThrough years of collaboration with residents, nonprofits, and city staff, I\u2019ve seen what works and where our systems fall short. I take pride in being a connector \u2014 helping residents, small businesses, and city departments work together to find solutions that make sense for everyone,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kalogridis is known for being deeply connected to Winter Haven. She can often be found talking and listening to nearly everyone she meets, building relationships wherever she goes. Her energy for helping others is contagious, and she\u2019s full of stories about her neighbors. The small business owner said her work and volunteer experience have prepared her for the role of Commissioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m running because of people like Edward Cook, who started with nothing more than a bucket and a shammy, washing cars by hand at the corner store. Years later, he\u2019s built two successful businesses on the opposite corner \u2014 one offering full vehicle detailing and another serving up soul food from his food truck every Sunday,\u201d she said. \u201cHis story is a reminder of what hard work, perseverance, and community support can create when opportunity exists.\u201d Cook is the owner of U.R. Next Custom Detailing and Who\u2019s Next UR Next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a member of the City\u2019s Grant and Aid Review Committee, Kalogridis has gained insight into City operations and earned a reputation as someone who gets results when others might not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m running because of people like Susan Eldridge, the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels. When her organization was at risk of losing city grant funding over a technicality, she didn\u2019t stop showing up. She fought for the seniors who depended on her program. After hearing her story, I followed up and worked with our Grant and Aid Committee to find a creative solution that saved her organization from losing $35,000. I\u2019m running because Susan fought and won \u2014 for others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lifelong Winter Haven resident, Kalogridis believes her relationships and track record of engagement set her apart from her opponent, incumbent Clifton Dollison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cReal progress starts with relationships. When we take time to engage, listen, and collaborate, we build trust \u2014 and with trust, we can tackle anything,\u201d Kalogridis said. \u201cMy vision for Winter Haven is rooted in that belief. It\u2019s about strong relationships, smart growth, and lasting impact \u2014 creating a city where small businesses can thrive, families feel supported, and employees are valued for the work they do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She pointed to another example of local progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTerry is a local property owner who turned an old car wash into a thriving plaza, giving others space to build their dreams. He\u2019s now working to create a mixed-use project with apartments he\u2019d like to offer rent-free to police officers for two years,\u201d Kalogridis said. \u201cDespite delays and frustration, he hasn\u2019t given up. I\u2019m running because Terry still believes in what\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local developer Terry Dewdney has fought hard to improve the city and believes Kalogridis represents the change Winter Haven needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe need a change in the City, and I believe that Melinda can be that change,\u201d Dewdney said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ryan Mullis, a local business owner, has seen firsthand the positive impact Kalogridis has made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI first saw Melinda\u2019s dedication during a downtown redevelopment project, where she made sure families facing relocation found safe, affordable housing. Since then, I\u2019ve watched her partner with nonprofits, support at-risk families, and advocate for affordable options for first responders,\u201d Mullis said. \u201cMelinda is resourceful, relentless, and committed to ensuring every resident has access to stable housing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her campaign slogan \u2014 Leadership that Delivers \u2014 reflects her goal to bring a new generation of leadership focused on people, safety, and smart growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kalogridis believes everyone\u2019s story matters \u2014 from residents and business owners to city employees and those experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m running because of city staff \u2014 people like Tami Hicks, who tends to our parks with pride, as if they were her own garden. I\u2019ve had the privilege of working alongside city employees who love what they do and take pride in serving this community. They deserve leadership that listens, supports, and equips them to do their best work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The election will be held on Nov. 4, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m running because the community shows up for each other, and it\u2019s time we have leadership that does the same,\u201d Kalogridis said. \u201cI want to be the voice of those who don\u2019t have one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.winterhavendaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/img_9571.jpg?resize=696%2C696&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n