Cynthia Garris is set to become the first Black mayor of St. Augustine when she is sworn into office on December 7. Her election marks a second historic milestone for Garris, who previously made history in 2022 as the city’s first Black city commissioner.
Garris secured the mayoral position without a competitive race. She was the only candidate to qualify by the deadline, resulting in a de facto victory. She discussed her path to the role and her background in an interview with Jacksonville Today.
Garris first entered public life in 2000 after returning to St. Augustine, her birthplace, where she was employed by the Clerk of Court’s Office. Dissatisfied with certain office policies, she decided to run for clerk of court, though that bid failed. She also lost her first attempt to join the St. Augustine City Commission in 2002.
Her eventual success came two decades later, after she retired from a 13-year tenure with the city. During that career, she held various positions, including parking attendant, custodian, and facilities coordinator. Garris stated that working across multiple departments gave her a practical understanding of city operations. Her four years on the commission further clarified the responsibilities of the mayor’s office.
Garris credited her decision to run for mayor to a close friend who urged her to take the seat. The friend noted that without her candidacy, the city might not have a person of color in the role. Garris has acknowledged the weight of this history, noting that St. Augustine has never had a Black mayor despite Black residents holding other City Hall roles since the 19th century.
