Karen Baez-Wallis, a registered nurse with more than 30 years of frontline healthcare and leadership experience, has officially announced her candidacy for Mayor of the Village of Palmetto Bay.
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A respected nurse leader, educator, community advocate, and longtime resident, Baez-Wallis is running on a platform centered on public safety, transparency, and protecting the quality of life for all residents.
“Palmetto Bay is more than where we live; it’s where we raised our family, built lasting relationships, and invested in our future,” Baez-Wallis said. “I’m running for mayor because our residents deserve leadership that listens, brings people together, and stays focused on what matters most: safe neighborhoods, responsible growth, fiscal responsibility, and preserving the character of our Village.”
Baez-Wallis’ career spans executive leadership in trauma and emergency services, including directing large-scale healthcare operations and leading multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure environments. She helped lead the development of a new trauma center and pediatric emergency department in South Florida and has worked closely with public safety partners, including EMS and disaster response teams.
In addition to her healthcare leadership, she served as a deployable member of the National Disaster Medical System, trained to provide critical care leadership and support during national and international emergencies — experience that underscores not only her commitment to preparedness and public safety but experience that strengthens her ability to lead through crises and ensure community resilience.
Baez-Wallis comes from a family deeply rooted in service. Her husband, a retired Naval aviator is a first responder that continues serving our community as helicopter chief pilot. Together, they have raised in Palmetto Bay a son, also a first responder and Eagle Scout, who also is a resident and reflects their shared commitment to protecting and serving the community.
Their young daughter, a recipient of the American Legion Medal and Bronze Award Girl Scout, continues that tradition of leadership and service. Baez-Wallis herself is a lifetime Girl Scout and has served as both a Cub Scout leader and Girl Scout leader, reinforcing her long-standing dedication to youth development and community involvement.
“I’ve spent over 30 years guiding and helping people and communities through some of their most difficult moments,” she added. “That experience has taught me how to stay calm under pressure, solve complex problems, and always put people first. That’s exactly the kind of leadership Palmetto Bay needs right now.”
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Her campaign will focus on:
• Protecting Palmetto Bay’s residential character and green spaces;
• Supporting law enforcement, first responders, and public safety initiatives;
• Promoting transparency, accountability, and civility in local government;
• Investing in infrastructure, drainage, and traffic solutions, and
• Strengthening community engagement and resident input.
“Leadership starts with showing up,” she said. “I’ll be walking neighborhoods, meeting residents face-to-face, and listening. This campaign is about our community — our families, our future — and ensuring your voice is heard.”
Karen Baez-Wallis invites residents to learn more, get involved, and be part of building a stronger, safer, and more connected Palmetto Bay.
For more information, please visit: www.karenbaezwallis.net.
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