4th Mayor of Fletcher, NC | Exercise Enthusiast | Sneaker Head | φνπhttps://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3ma2pdzress2dToday I officially filed to run for reelection as Mayor of Fletcher! I’ve had the honor of serving our Town as Mayor since 2021 at 27 years old. Grateful to serve and hopeful for the chance to continue this important work. I’d be honored to have your support https://secure.actblue.com/donate/committee-to-elect-preston-blakely-115 Dec 2025 22:42 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3ma2pdzress2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3leq4cit7vs2oWishing you all a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!02 Jan 2025 03:14 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3leq4cit7vs2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3lenlhay4ds2p2024 has been a year of resilience, growth, and community. From navigating challenges to celebrating milestones, I’m grateful for the opportunities to serve and for everyone who’s made an impact along the way. Here’s to continuing the work in 202501 Jan 2025 03:08 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3lenlhay4ds2phttps://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3ldoa3rlmsc2dI am deeply disappointed in Congress. While the people, businesses, and infrastructure of Western North Carolina suffer, they continue to play politics.19 Dec 2024 15:52 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldoa3rlmsc2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3lc27cuvyzs2mLook who I found this Thanksgiving—the queen herself, my grandmother, Oralene Simmons! She’s truly beloved. For years, whenever I was mentioned in the news, I was referred to as “Oralene Simmons’ grandson.” If you don’t know her story, you should read about her here.28 Nov 2024 23:19 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3lc27cuvyzs2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3lbz5stj3n225The past few months have been incredibly challenging for folks across Western North Carolina. Yet, even in the face of adversity, there’s still so much to be grateful for—and I am deeply grateful.28 Nov 2024 13:20 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3lbz5stj3n225https://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3lazwtwwyxk2eWith stabilization funds set to end in December, many NC child care centers are at risk of closing or raising prices—especially in WNC after Hurricane Helene. Families are already struggling to find affordable care, and this funding has been crucial for keeping centers open and teachers paid.16 Nov 2024 03:23 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3lazwtwwyxk2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3laynkcfim227Days are long, but the years are short. I think that phrase resonates especially with our youth. They’ve faced a pandemic, endured natural disasters, and grown up in a time when politics and government have been more divisive than ever.15 Nov 2024 15:04 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3laynkcfim227https://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3lapttntb6c2vYou know, this is all coming together. In Fletcher, there’s a restaurant called Blue Sky Cafe—they have the best fries! Maybe Bluesky, the social network, is the social media equivalent of their fries 😂12 Nov 2024 03:02 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3lapttntb6c2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/prestonb-nc.bsky.social/post/3lapm73v5iu2yHey 👋🏾. Just figuring out this space! I’m the youngest sitting mayor in North Carolina and work as a janitor for my family business. I serve on several boards and am committed to creating a brighter future for all Fletcher residents and North Carolinians.12 Nov 2024 00:45 +0000at://did:plc:sstw5sr4beupsodv6nemibon/app.bsky.feed.post/3lapm73v5iu2y