2025 Gecko Queen Candidates

Voting Open Until August 12th

Meet The 2025 Candidates

Lara Jones

I just like to be a beacon of light for people that may never know they needed it. This is why I’m running for Gecko Queen.

Jones moved to Gulfport in 2021. She is a supervisor at the Hilton Bayfront and always finds time to work with S.T.O.R.Y. 727, a nonprofit that assists youth and families in historically excluded communities. She is also a full-time mom to four teenage boys, Malachi, Makai, Jamar, and Micah.

Jones coworker Tierica Johnson suggested running for Gecko Queen because she is always helping and connecting with others.

I’m always about community. “You never know what the community needs until you’re out there talking to them.

Grand Duchess Aphelia

I’m running on happiness and smiles and laughter!

Grand Duchess Aphelia retired 10 years ago and moved to Gulfport three years later. Since then, she spends her time riding her bike around town, and hosts drag bingo fundraisers.

This year, she’s raised money for unhoused people, the Allendale Youth Group, Dachshund Rescue, ICARE St. Pete, My TransNetwork, and Dining Out For Life. Upcoming fundraisers will be for PFLAG and the Human Society of Pinellas County.

I enjoy the beaches, running around, and visiting all the shops. I know that’s sort of what the Gecko Queen does anyway, and as the Duchess of Gulfport, I do it automatically.

Leslie Gilchrist

I really think people just need to be pointed in the direction of positivity & fun.

Gilchrist has lived in Gulfport for 20 years and has been active in the community. She is a board member for the GMC and works for SiK Promotions. In the past, she owned a store (the Outpost, currently the site of Gulfport Brewery), was the president of the Gulfport Merchants Association, and worked on Gulfport markets & festivals.

I didn’t anticipate the amount of attention I would receive running for Gecko Queen. But, I’m happy to be along for the ride and to have fun.

I’m just making sure Gulfport stays like Gulfport, like weird and fun, and that other people get to enjoy it!

Julie Hill

I bring a little extra sparkle to everything I do. I like to spread the love, the good vibes, the sparkles and the weirdness.

Hill moved to Gulfport in 2021 after visiting her mom here throughout the years. She immediately fell in love. Some may recognize Hill as one of the bartenders at O’Maddy’s.

She likes to wear cat ears on “Cat-urdays” in honor of her feline friends. Hill has a rescue kitty named Draco Meowfoy.

Gecko Queen would be a good platform to get the word out for taking care of our furry friends. Obviously, spay and neuter your pets, and adopt, don’t shop,

I would be thrilled (and let’s be honest, fabulous) as Gecko Queen—spreading joy, glitter, laughter, hotness, and Gulfport Pride all year long Gulfport is more than just where I live; it’s where I belong.

Kelli Garcia

My campaign slogan is, ‘Do Good, Stay Weird!’

Garcia is a real estate agent who alsovolunteers with the Gulfport Food Forest. She also organizes A Gulfport Welcome, a program that introduces new residents to City staff, community leaders, and Gulfport culture.

Garcia moved to Gulfport in 2022 with her husband, Eric and their two dogs, Pickle and Chicken. They hosted a block party right away to meet their neighbors and wants to keep connecting with others.

I’m really ready to lead this Gecko Queen role in a way that’s unique to me, but honors a lot of the past roles. I’ve been inspired by some of the former Gecko Queens, like Bob with his cash mobs, and Anita with everything she does for the community and running the food bank, and Elizabeth [Hendricks] doing the free clothing swap.

How to Vote for the 2025 Gecko Queen

As of 2023, the Gulfport Merchants Chamber (GMC) allowed the people of Gulfport to vote for their Gecko Queen

Voters can cast ballots in person until August 12th at the following locations:

Gulfport Beach Bazaar
3115 Beach Boulevard S

Gulfport Corner Store
2902 Beach Blvd S

Gulf Orchids
5313 Gulfport Blvd S

After the GMC counts all of the votes they receive, they will announce the winner at the annual Gecko Ball to be held on Saturday, August 23 at the The Maria Center at 1500 58th St. S. in Gulfport.