Over two decades delivering results and solving problems across Pinellas County — now running to bring that real-world experience to Tallahassee.
A Message from Melissa
If you had told me just a few months ago that I would be running for office, I would have told you I had some swamp land I could sell you — and cheap, too. In all seriousness: I’m not a politician. I’m a fourth-generation St. Petersburg businesswoman who has brought complicated projects across the finish line right here in Pinellas for over two decades. This campaign is deeply personal for me, because this is not simply where I live. This is my home, and I want the families who are here today to be able to stay, build their lives, and pass down that same sense of belonging.
I wasn’t seeking this office. I was running my business — in fact, I was solving the latest stormwater issue that had popped up again on a deal I’d put together. Then the current representative stepped down, and I got a call.
When I learned there was a new opportunity to serve my community and that people I respect asked me to step up, I said yes because that’s what the Rutland family does, and I have fire in my belly to protect this community and make a difference. Right now, too many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. My job, bringing projects that matter to our community, has taught me what drives up costs and how to control them, and I plan to continue doing that when I get to Tallahassee.
I’m a community-minded leader who brings people together. I know the questions to ask, who to partner with and how to turn ideas into real results to help Pinellas families. I will listen first, work with anyone who wants to solve problems, and always answer to you. Pinellas needs a leader with the expertise to implement legislation that delivers solutions to its largest challenges, drawing on firsthand experience and knowledge, and is dedicated to building a stronger future for the people of our district.
At an early age I was taught to get involved. At 22, working alongside Bob Ulrich, I helped rewrite zoning policy and land-use maps. Rick McCauley told me then that if I learned zoning and land use better than anyone, I could do anything — and here we are. That work taught me how to get things done and, just as importantly, how to get them implemented.
We can keep Pinellas thriving by striking the right balance between welcoming progress and preserving what makes our community such a special place to live. It means supporting small businesses, attracting companies that create high-paying jobs, and building a plentiful workforce of skilled workers. It also means ensuring children are reading at grade level by third grade and that our schools and workforce-training programs prepare people for successful careers. And we must fight to ensure clean water, a resilient coast, and infrastructure our residents can depend on. That is how we protect the Pinellas way of life.
Nearly three decades ago, Melissa began her career in the real estate department at Raymond James headquarters and has spent her career in commercial real estate brokerage, asset management, development, and consulting. In 2015, she founded Rutland Florida Gulf Group, a brokerage and consultancy focused on projects that leave a lasting community impact, and she has held the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation since 2013 and served on the Development Review Commission for nearly a decade, where she honed her skills in local government planning and working with land development regulations.
Across Pinellas County, Melissa has delivered. She helped bring the Speer YMCA and Mangrove Bay Middle School partnership to life, worked for years to land a neighborhood grocery, and led the first project in Pinellas County to close under the Live Local Act — giving her firsthand experience with the tools that make attainable housing possible.
She is a uniter who works with both sides. Appointed to the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission by a Democratic mayor — later serving as its first woman Chair — and appointed to the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board by Governor Ron DeSantis, Melissa has spent her career building consensus among people with very different points of view to get results.
Appointed to public boards by leaders of both parties — and trusted to deliver.
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