Cape Canaveral voters looking for a steady, experienced hand on the City Council have a familiar name on the ballot this cycle: Don Willis. A retired business executive and entrepreneur with more than 40 years of professional experience, including 14 years running his own technology company Willis has spent years translating that same discipline and work ethic into service for the city he calls home.
A Record of Boards and Committee Work
Willis works diligently on Cape Canaveral's infrastructure, safety, and growth priorities, serving on:
- Cape Canaveral City Council and Community Redevelopment Agency
- The Florida Department of Transportation District 5 Central Florida Safety Strategic Plan Steering Committee
- The Florida League of Cities Federal Action Strike Team
- The Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee
- The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council Board of Directors
- The Space Coast League of Cities Executive Board (Treasurer, Advocacy Chair)
That advocacy hasn't gone unnoticed. In both 2025 and 2026, the Florida League of Cities honored Don with its Home Rule Hero Award recognizing his strong legislative advocacy in pushing back on state overreach and protecting local decision-making authority for cities like Cape Canaveral.
Rolling Up His Sleeves Locally
Beyond the committee rooms, Willis has been a visible, hands-on presence in the community — planting mangroves and restoring sea oats, organizing fundraisers for local charities, hosting community and candidate forums to keep residents informed, and sponsoring Coffee With A Cop events that build trust between residents and local law enforcement. He has also helped secure $5.5 million in funding for Cape Canaveral's safety and resiliency needs.
The Bottom Line
From regional transportation safety planning to neighborhood mangrove restoration, Don Willis has built a record defined by follow-through, not headlines. This November, his re-election bid asks Cape Canaveral voters to keep that experience and those relationships across the county, state, and business community working for them for another term.