Florida representative District 81: Meet candidate Yvette Benarroch

Gladyvette "Yvette" Benarroch , 54, says she is a mom, a business owner and "an outsider, not a politician."

Benarroch says she wants to preserve the American dream, one she followed to business ownership and homeownership and running for office.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Benarroch was born in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. She moved to Florida in 2003.

"Only in this country can you come with nothing and make something out of yourself. And I want to make sure that we preserve that for every family, and everyone not only in Florida, but in our country," Benarroch said at a July 16 forum with her Republican competitor Greg Folley.

Benarroch has been active in the Collier County community since moving to the area, whether working with the Republican party or in the school system. Benarroch has two teenage sons. She has served as Collier County GOP Executive Committee vice chair and currently is chair of the Collier Chapter of Moms for Liberty , a parent group aimed at fighting for parental rights in education. She has U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds’ endorsement .

Benarroch is co-owner of Affordable Landscaping Service Design LLC, which services the Marco Island and Naples area.

She currently lives in Marco Island, Florida, with her husband, Al; their sons, Zachary and Daniel; and their five dogs. Benarroch has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in marketing from Southern New Hampshire University.

About District 81

District 81 covers from Naples Park east of Golden Gate south through Marco Island and including Goodland and Isles of Capri. It is bordered on the East by Collier Boulevard/County Road 951.

Who is Benarroch running against?

Greg Folley is the other Republican running. Benarroch and Folley will face off during the Aug. 20 primary . The winner will face the one Democrat, Charles Work, in the Nov. 5 general election.

More: State Rep. District 81 has multiple candidates, unlike 2022

How much has Benarroch raised so far?

She has raised $221,389 : $108,798 cash, $77,000 in loans and $36,591 in in-kind contributions as of July 24.

Here are candidate Benarroch's answers to our questions:

Why do you want to be the next state representative for District 81?

I am running for office because I am a mom, veteran, and small business owner who cares deeply about the future of our community and our state. I came from Puerto Rico to Marco Island over 20 years ago with almost nothing, but I have since lived the American Dream. We face many challenges, particularly with respect to affordability, and I can relate and advocate for regular families, veterans and small business owners from my life experiences. I understand the challenges so many are facing and that we need leaders to listen to the people and get results.

What separates you from your opponents?

I am the only candidate trusted and endorsed by Congressman Byron Donalds and by law enforcement leaders including the Police Benevolent Association and Fraternal Order of Police. I am also endorsed by America First Congressmen Brian Mast, Cory Mills, and Michael Waltz and many local and state elected officials. I am a mom, small business owner, veteran, community leader and political outsider, not a politician. I will fight for our conservative values in Tallahassee, stand up for law enforcement, and make Florida more affordable.

What life or work experiences do you have that make you the best candidate?

I am a mom, Gulf War veteran, local small businessowner, a community leader and a political outsider. I know what it is like to struggle with higher prices and making tough choices about what your family and business can or cannot afford. I know what it takes to keep our economy strong and create jobs. I fight for strong schools every day as a mom, so our kids are prepared for success. As a veteran, I served our country in uniform and protected our freedoms; I know my oath of service has no expiration date. I am not a politician; I am running to represent everyday people in Tallahassee.

What are the biggest issues facing District 81, and how would you address them?

Protect our citizens from illegal immigration, lower the cost of living, and improve our education system. I support repealing in-state tuition for illegals and ensuring law enforcement has the tools to keep us safe. We must reduce insurance rates, keep taxes low, and attract good jobs to make Florida more affordable. We must also ensure every student has access to a first-rate education in the state. As head of Moms for Liberty in Collier County, I’ve fought to protect parental rights and keep radical liberal ideology out of schools – I will take the same fight to Tallahassee.

What are your top priorities, if elected to District 81?

Protect our citizens from illegal immigration, lower the cost of living, and improve our education system.

Florida's insurance keeps rising. How do you think the state should address the issue?

We need to make Florida more affordable. Insurance rates are out of control, whether it is home or business insurance or auto insurance. As a small business owner, our rent has skyrocketed due to insurance increases, and we had to change carriers for our cars. Like many, I have also experienced first-hand the sting of rising home insurance premiums. Florida has limited lawsuits against insurance companies, but we must do more. We need more competition in the market to drive down costs. We also need to protect homeowners and hold insurance companies accountable.

Abortion will be on the Florida ballot this year with Amendment 4, which would protect women's right to abortion in Florida. What is your stance on abortion?

I am strongly pro-life. I oppose the abortion amendment on the ballot in November. It is radical, deceptive, and wrong for Florida. I believe Florida has excellent laws to protect innocent life and limit abortion while providing the appropriate and necessary protections for the mother. I will stand on the side of life every time as a member of the Florida House of Representatives.

The environment is another huge issue for Florida. How do you think the state should address clean water and other problems?

Protecting our environment and water resources is critically important to Florida’s future. I support the Legislature’s efforts to fund Everglades restoration, protect sensitive environment and farmlands, and use science-based approaches to address water quality and supply challenges. I believe our environmental policy must be based on sound science, not on activism. As a local landscaper and IFAS/UFL GIBMP Trainer, I  work to follow Best Management Practices and teach them to others in the industry, so we protect our precious water resources.

Thoughts on Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoing all of Florida’s planned arts and culture grants in the state’s 2024-25 budget?

I strongly support Governor DeSantis’ conservative leadership in our state. I applaud him for vetoing funds that could be used for inappropriate purposes. It is our duty as conservatives to root out wasteful spending and protect taxpayers. I oppose funding the radical woke agenda on the taxpayers’ dime. That is why I fight so hard locally in Collier County to keep inappropriate content out of schools as the head of Moms for Liberty in our county.

What is your stance on allowing recreational marijuana in Florida and how would you regulate it?

I oppose the recreational marijuana amendment. I do not think legalizing more drugs is the solution to any of the problems facing our state. We are increasingly finding marijuana has negative impacts on people’s health and wellbeing.

More: Republicans Folley, Benarroch talk Medicaid, guns, more at first District 81 forum

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida representative District 81: Meet candidate Yvette Benarroch