Chaz Stevens Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Deerfield Beach: A Vision to Elevate Our City

For decades, I’ve championed Deerfield Beach as an activist, exposing corruption, advocating for transparency, and pushing for accountability. Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Mayor of Deerfield Beach to bring a bold, fresh vision that will finally unlock our city’s true potential and ensure it thrives beyond our beautiful two-mile stretch of coastline.

I’m a longtime Deerfield Beach resident and graduate of Deerfield Beach High School. As an ordained minister with the Church of Satanology and Perpetual Soireé, I may also be the first Satanist to run for public office in Florida — a testament to my commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of all residents. In a county and state increasingly leaning conservative, I remain steadfast in my progressive values, advocating for inclusivity, social justice, and policies that protect everyone’s rights. As the founder and CEO of ESADoggy, a provider of remote, animal-assisted mental health care, I understand the importance of accessible, compassionate services. My record reflects my dedication to Deerfield’s growth and progress through genuine, hands-on advocacy.

Key Achievements

1. Exposing Corruption and Enforcing Accountability: I led efforts that resulted in arrests of officials, bringing transparency to our city government
2. Shaping Policy on Ethics and Governance: My activism has pushed our City Commission to adopt policies supporting transparency and ethical standards.
3. Promoting Church-State Separation: Through public art and activism, like the nationally recognized Festivus pole installations, I have advocated for secular government spaces.

Throughout my activism, I’ve had the opportunity to take meaningful action on Deerfield’s behalf, and here’s — just a few — accomplishments demonstrate my unwavering commitment:

1. Exposing Corruption Leading to Arrests: My complaints led to the arrests of Deerfield’s Mayor Al Capellini and Commissioners Steve Gonot and Sylvia Poitier. These efforts were essential in bringing much-needed transparency and accountability to Deerfield Beach.
2. Appointment to the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority: In April 2010, I was appointed to the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority board, recognizing my commitment to influencing local governance.
3. Influencing Policy Changes: My activism has pushed the Deerfield Beach City Commission to rethink and reform policies, specifically in areas concerning transparency and ethical governance.
4. Advocacy for Separation of Church and State: In December 2012, I erected a Festivus pole made of beer cans near a nativity scene in Deerfield Beach — a demonstration of my dedication to keeping a clear boundary between religion and government.
5. Recognition as ‘Best Gadfly’: In 2010, New Times Broward-Palm Beach honored me as “Best Gadfly” for my relentless pursuit of accountability among local officials.

Through activism in Florida, I’ve championed the separation of church and state, using satirical public displays like Festivus poles in government spaces to challenge religious endorsements and advocate for secular governance. My efforts aim to uphold constitutional rights and promote government neutrality on religious matters.

1. Federal Lawsuit against Broward Schools: My ongoing pro se lawsuit accuses Broward County Public Schools of religious discrimination, sparking a debate over free speech and equal treatment in public spaces.
2. Legal Challenge to Trump’s Ballot: Filed pro se lawsuit seeking to block Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 presidential ballot.
3. Sued Chip LaMarca: Filed pro se lawsuit against LaMarca in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida for blocking me on X, formerly known as Twitter.
4. Exposing Corruption in Local Government: Over the years, I have worked as a watchdog in Florida, exposing unethical behavior among local politicians. My investigations have led to accountability and reforms in several communities.
5. Community Involvement: For nearly 30 years, I have been active in local politics within Broward and across Florida, addressing issues of corruption and advocating for transparency and accountability in local governance.
6. Bible Ban Requests in Florida Schools (2022): In response to book bans in Florida schools, I submitted formal requests to ban the Bible, citing its violent and sexual content. This move was designed to point out perceived inconsistencies in censorship policies.
7. Scaled Back Book Ban: Gov. Ron DeSantis backtracked on the 2022 law on Tuesday when he signed a bill narrowing its focus. He directly blamed me for abusing the law, not the citizens whose objections to certain books account for the majority of book removals from school libraries and classrooms.
8. “Satanic Prayer” Campaign: I petitioned for “Satanic prayers” to be read at public meetings in response to official invocations, aiming to highlight issues with religious favoritism in government functions. My approach underscored the need for equal representation of all beliefs in public institutions.
9. School Board Challenges on Diversity and Inclusion: I have actively challenged Florida school boards on issues regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly around LGBTQ+ representation and the fair treatment of marginalized communities.
10. Police Accountability Initiatives: I have pushed for transparency and accountability within police departments, advocating for reforms in hiring practices, discipline policies, and public disclosure of officer misconduct.

I’ve championed inclusive governance through creative activism, including national Festivus pole installations to critique religious favoritism, and founding the satirical Mount Jab Church of Mars to promote COVID-19 vaccination. Through public art, media engagement, and educational outreach, I’ve sparked conversations on church-state separation, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice, inspiring communities to embrace transparency, diverse perspectives, and open dialogue on key societal issues.

1. Festivus Pole Installations Beyond Florida: Expanding his protest nationally, I’ve installed Festivus poles in other states’ capitols, continuing his critique of religious favoritism in government.
2. Founding the Mount Jab Church of Mars: Stevens established this satirical religious organization to promote COVID-19 vaccinations. By framing vaccination as a religious mandate, he aimed to counter vaccine misinformation and encourage public health measures.
3. Advocacy for Church-State Separation: Through my activism, I have consistently challenged the presence of religious symbols and practices in government settings, advocating for a clear division between religious institutions and state affairs.
4. Public Art and Free Expression Initiatives: With a background in media and activism, I have promoted free expression through public art and performance, encouraging open dialogue and community engagement on controversial issues.
5. Fundraising for Social Justice Causes: I’ve used my platforms to raise funds and awareness for various social justice causes, often using humor and irony to attract attention and inspire action.
6. LGBTQ+ Rights Advocacy: I have championed LGBTQ+ rights through various campaigns, supporting marriage equality and other protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in conservative regions.
7. Media Engagement: I have been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, using these platforms to disseminate my message and engage a broader audience in conversations about church-state separation.
8. Educational Outreach: Through lectures, writings, and public speaking engagements, I have educated the public on constitutional rights, particularly focusing on the First Amendment and the importance of maintaining a secular government.

Ask Yourself: What is Deerfield’s Vision?

Our city has struggled to keep pace, while cities like Pompano Beach and Delray Beach have moved forward with smart, inclusive growth. To revitalize Deerfield Beach, my plan centers on affordable housing initiatives, including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, to create accessible, quality housing options for our residents. A reimagined Downtown Master Plan will prioritize mixed-use developments that offer affordable housing, walkable spaces, and local business opportunities. Expanding our Community Redevelopment Agency’s role will bring vital support for infrastructure and incentives for developers to build sustainably and affordably. This approach will ensure Deerfield Beach thrives as a fully inclusive and vibrant community.

Ask Chaz: What is my Vision?

As your candidate for Mayor, I believe Deerfield Beach can take inspiration from Pompano Beach’s proactive approach to affordable housing. Here’s how I plan to adapt these strategies for our community:

1. Housing Rehabilitation and Emergency Repair Programs: We need to ensure our residents live in safe, stable homes. Like Pompano Beach, I propose a Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist low-income residents with crucial repairs. This approach prioritizes existing homes, making our community stronger from within.
2. Affordable Housing Incentive Strategies: To attract affordable housing developments, we’ll implement incentives like streamlined permitting, flexible density options, and modified impact fees. Building near transportation hubs and job centers will ensure accessibility, helping Deerfield Beach residents thrive.
3. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: Through targeted CDBG funds, we’ll empower local organizations and support city projects focused on affordable housing, community services, and economic development. By using these grants strategically, we can foster a community where all residents have opportunities to succeed.

With a renewed commitment to affordable housing, we’ll make Deerfield Beach an inclusive, prosperous community for everyone.

Restoring Trust in Government: A Pledge for Stronger Ethics and Accountability in Deerfield Beach.

As a longtime advocate for strict ethics in elected officials, I believe integrity is non-negotiable in public service. Our community deserves leaders who are accountable, transparent, and unwavering in their commitment to the public good. For years, I’ve exposed corruption and championed ethical reforms, knowing that honest, principled leadership is the cornerstone of a trustworthy government. As your candidate, I pledge to uphold these standards with clear, actionable policies to ensure accountability every step of the way:

1. Enhanced Transparency Standards: We’ll make all city contracts, spending, and decision-making processes fully accessible to the public, with mandatory disclosures and regular updates on key projects and budgets.
2. Strict Conflict of Interest Policies: We’ll implement comprehensive conflict-of-interest rules for all city officials, ensuring no personal or financial gain influences decisions. Regular ethics training will reinforce this commitment.
3. Independent Ethics Oversight: I will establish an independent ethics committee to investigate misconduct, enforce ethical guidelines, and provide annual compliance reports, ensuring that officials remain accountable to the community — not just themselves.

With these initiatives, we can build a government Deerfield Beach residents can trust and take pride in.

Expanding Mental Health Access in Deerfield Beach: Compassionate Care for All.

Drawing from my work with ESADoggy, where we’ve delivered accessible, animal-assisted mental health care to communities in need, I know firsthand how life-changing compassionate support can be. As Mayor, I will prioritize mental health access in Deerfield Beach, implementing telehealth services for virtual counseling and crisis intervention, creating community mental health clinics, and establishing mobile units to bring services directly to neighborhoods. Our goal is to eliminate barriers, ensuring that anyone seeking mental health support can access it affordably and easily.

We’ll also develop partnerships with local hospitals, non-profits, and universities to fund and deliver mental health services, leveraging grants and resources to maximize our impact. By training first responders and community leaders in mental health support, creating crisis response teams, and establishing community navigators to guide residents to care, we’ll build a comprehensive mental health system that meets Deerfield Beach’s unique needs and supports our residents’ well-being.

Reboot, Refresh, and Redo: My Position.

1. Reboot Our City’s Growth: Let’s create a balanced plan that revitalizes underused areas, developing affordable housing that meets the needs of all residents. Smart growth means building a community where people can afford to live and thrive.
2. Refresh Our Leadership’s Approach: For too long, Deerfield Beach’s leadership has lacked vision and foresight, neglecting to plan for the city’s future needs. We must prioritize affordable housing and sustainable growth strategies that address today’s challenges and prepare us for tomorrow.
3. Redo Our Commitment to Accountability and Action: Affordable housing and smart growth require bold choices and responsible action. As Mayor, I’ll push for policies that foster inclusivity, economic diversity, and accessibility across our city.

Chaz Stevens for Mayor: Bold Leadership for Affordable Housing and a City That Cares for All Residents.

I’m running for Mayor because, for decades, I’ve pushed for change in government from the outside — only to be ignored time and again. I’ve realized that to truly make a difference, to bring affordable housing and real support to those who need it most, I need to be at the table — leading the way.

I figure, if we can elect an individual married three times, slept with a porn star while his wife was pregnant, sexually assaulted 27 women, and was best friends with the world’s most notorious pedophile, well, then, why not me?

I’m not a foreclosure lawyer making families homeless, nor a Facebook page admin managing my mom’s orchid blog. My track record is substantive and substantial, spanning three decades of meaningful action and results. It’s time to transform Deerfield Beach from within, with bold leadership that prioritizes affordable housing and stands up for those most in need.

Join Me in Reimagining Deerfield Beach’s Future.

As your candidate, I pledge to lead Deerfield Beach with accountability, vision, and a commitment to every resident. Together, let’s elevate our city and secure a thriving, inclusive community. Visit rebootdeerfield.vote to learn more and join the movement!