Jerome Smalls wasn’t about to be a two-time loser.
“Once was enough,” said Smalls, who was unsuccessful in his 2014 bid for the Lutz Guv’na title.
This time, he brought in the most cash and was crowned the 2023 Lutz Guv’na following the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. Smalls was one of three candidates vying for the title in a yearly competition that involves raising money for various local charities and nonprofit organizations.
The winner receives the coveted Guv’na sash, a red-and-white Cat-in-the-Hat hat and a key to the unincorporated community of more than 28,000 people.
After raising more than $4,300, Smalls topped fellow candidates Shanon Monahan ($4,000 plus) and Tim Davis ($3,000 plus) and, humbly, accepted the passing of the torch from 2022 Guv’na Atlas Cortecero.
The candidates combined to raise more than $11,000, which will be divvied out to nonprofits, such as the Old Lutz School House, GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, churches, schools, sports teams and other organizations in Lutz.
“This is just so crazy, really, but it’s not only being up at the podium (after winning),” Smalls said. “There’s the parade and seeing all the families that we know through our program (SoccerGemz), to see (the kids) that came through and grow up and at the parade, supporting us and all the candidates.
“It’s crazy to have all that support, especially when starting a business in Lutz.”
Smalls moved to Tampa in 2005 and opened SoccerGemz in 2012. It’s an introductory soccer program which teaches the basic skills and fundamentals of soccer for children 18 months to 8 years old in the Lutz community.
An avid sports fan, Smalls was aided by his two daughters — Ivoryele, 14, and Anora, 9 — at the Guv’na debate on May 13. He also is a very active member with Lutz First Baptist.
Smalls is no stranger to being the Guv’na, since he ultimately came up short when running in 2014. This time, though, he was more savvy with his campaign.
He got the backing of some “political” heavy hitters from Lutz: the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.
“The women in green shirts — I call them the WIGS,” Smalls said with a laugh. “They supported me and worked with me, because in 2014, I was just like, ‘Hey, I’m running for Guv’na! That’s cool!’ This time, I went out and got that organization because those women do so, so much for Lutz and all the organizations here.”
Whoever is crowned Guv’na earmarks 10% of the proceeds to a Lutz charitable organization of his or her choice, and Smalls said his will go to the Woman’s Club. He added he also will help other nonprofits, such as the Old Lutz School House and also plans on donating to the Lutz Branch Library — since he is a frequent patron.
“I’m an avid reader and I come here a lot,” Small said, pointing to the library from the nearby Lutz Train Depot. “I want to help out the place I go to a lot.”
Smalls held several fundraising events since May 13, from bingo events at Black Sheep American Pub, to other luncheons and dinners and fun events. Many people he knew through SoccerGemz also donated to his cause, as he could “panhandle” in the parade, in a final push to cash in for the sash.
But now that he has said sash, he plans to make due on a big campaign “promise” he made while “mudslinging” his other candidates.
And this promise is a real winner.
“I promised that I became Guv’na — which I now have after running two times — I promised to build a brand new stadium in the middle of (U.S.) 41 — for the (Tampa Bay) Rays!
“I will bring the Rays to Lutz!” he said, jokingly.
Past Lutz Guv’nas
2023 – Jerome Smalls
2022 – Atlas Cortecero
2019 – Amy Lancaster
2018 – Domenic Difante
2017 – Kori Rankin
2016 – Greg Gilbert
2015 – Jennifer Rankin
2014 – Dr. Cindy Perkins
2013 – Suzin Carr
2012 – Karen D’Amico
2011 – Kevin White
2010 – Stephanie Ensor
2009 – Suzin Carr
2008 – Teri Burgess
2007 – Michele Northrup
2006 – Edwina Kraemer
2005 – Liz Iaconetti
2004 – Dean Rivett
2003 – Joni Cagle
2002 – Brett Montegny
2001 – Helen Kinyon
2000 – Vince Arcuri
1999 – Danny Neeley
1998 – Sandy Ruberg
1997 – Earl Smith
1996 – Ben Nevel
1995 – Kay Dahman
1994 – Lorraine Dabney
1993 – Leslie Dennison
1992 – Betty Neeley
1991 – Jo Van Bebber
Published July 12, 2023
