KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Two seats for the city council were up for grabs this election cycle. Because the deadline to register as a candidate has already passed and because only one candidate registered for each seat, Councilmembers Dan Lewandowski and Elston Kussler won their elections unopposed.

Previously appointed to complete Councilmember Bobby Brown’s term when he resigned, this marks Lewandowski’s second full term on the city council. His first was from 2015 to 2018.

Lewandowski said Keystone Heights has “three gems” – the lakes, the airport, and the schools. He says the city's success depends on cultivating these interconnected elements. He shared a profound, unifying theory:

It all starts in Kingsley Lake and the Camp Blanding watershed, where water flows south and collects into Alligator Creek. The water continues through Alligator Creek and fills Lake Brooklyn, then tiny Lake Keystone and then Lake Geneva.

The city depends on the water cascade through the Etonia Chain of lakes. Lewandowski said that property values are directly proportional to the lake's waterline, and funding for the schools is dependent on the surrounding property values (ad valorem taxes).

Indeed, a "rising tide" lifts all of Keystone Heights.

Lewandowski said the airport has the potential to be an economic focal point since it is the only true public airport in the county.

“It was handed off to the city following World War II, apparently after Starke and Bradford turned it down. All I can say is praise the Lord!” Lewandowski said.

Lewandowski sees the potential of Keystone Heights Airport, especially after serving 29 years in the Air Force with an aerospace engineering background. His military background in aerospace has led to a results-driven mindset. In the same way a post as squadron commander lasts two years, a full term on the city council is only three.

Lewandowski is eager to develop the city's strategic plan, ideally by its centennial next year. 

“First, let's just have a plan. So much comes from having a plan – grant funding, public support and long-term goals. Let’s get input from the community, business leaders and agencies – Clay County Utilities Authority and Clay County Sheriff’s Office.”

He says important long-term goals include planning infrastructure and incorporating septic-to-sewer conversions.

He was an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, taught dual enrollment at Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High and currently teaches aeronautical science at Q. I. Roberts Junior-Senior High.

It was impossible to pick a favorite plane, so he picked a couple: SR 71 Blackbird, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-22 Raptor and B-2 Bomber.

He is thankful for the efforts led by Save Our Lakes Organization and he looks upon the ongoing Black Creek Restoration project with hope. When asked if he would see the water levels return to historic highs, he had this to say:

“I don’t think I will see it in my lifetime, but I think you will.”

Lewandowski appears committed to implementing a plan to not only help the city "take off" but also ensure that it will continue to be cherished by the next generation.