Burgess, who once made a name for himself as the youngest mayor in the history of Zephyrhills, served three terms as a State Representative. Most recently, he was the executive director of the Florida Department of Executive Affairs.

“I took enormous pride in that mission,” said Burgess, who also is a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Burgess recently met with supporters at the Silverado Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills. In this time of turmoil at the national level — the coronavirus pandemic, a weakened economy, calls for social justice and divisive rhetoric from politicians — Burgess calls for unity, understanding and justice for everyone.

“We must look beyond the next election to the next generation,” he said. “I’ll never seek to divide people. I like to bridge people together.”

Before Burgess spoke to an audience of well-wishers, family and friends, a heartfelt video highlighted some shining moments in America’s history.