Commissioner Joshua Simmons {TikTok}
Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons has knocked on thousands of doors during his time in local politics, but one recent resident delivered feedback with a little more bite than usual.
Simmons, who is challenging Mayor Scott J. Brook in the November 3 mayoral election, said he was nearing the end of nearly two hours of door-to-door campaigning when a shaggy dog burst through a resident’s front door and bit him on the elbow.
@joshuaasimmons One of our furry residents was so excited to meet me today that they greeted me with their teeth! 52 Days. #SimmonsForMayor ♬ original sound – Commissioner Joshua Simmons
“It was at least 95 degrees, and from the video you can see that I was profusely sweating,” Simmons told Coral Springs Talk.
Simmons said he walked up to the home and had not yet touched the doorbell when the medium-to-large dog jumped against the door and apparently popped its latch.
“The door bursts open, and this dog runs out barking, and a smaller dog runs out and is barking too,” he said.
Simmons backed away but resisted the urge to run, fearing it might make the situation worse. He was also concerned the dogs might escape and noticed that the front door had been left wide open.
As Simmons attempted to manage the unexpected campaign stop, the larger dog jumped up and bit him on the elbow.
“I remember trying to move my arm quickly because I didn’t want him latching on to my arm,” Simmons said. “I’ve seen enough K9 demonstrations on how dogs latch onto limbs.”
Simmons began yelling “Whoa” and “Hey” until a man emerged from the home.
With blood dripping from his elbow, Simmons introduced himself as a city commissioner and candidate for mayor and explained that he had been canvassing the neighborhood when “calamity struck.”
The resident brought out peroxide, gauze, and a bandage to treat the wound.
Simmons then delivered what may have been his most memorable campaign pitch so far.
“The last thing I said was, ‘I hope I have your vote,’ and he laughed,” Simmons said.
The bite left Simmons with what he described as a combination of a scrape and puncture wound. He said he still feels some discomfort when he places his elbow in certain positions, but he did not seek medical treatment.
Despite the painful encounter, Simmons said he was not angry with the homeowner or the dog.
“The dog was doing its job,” he said. “I’ve knocked on thousands of doors, and you often hear dogs barking and jumping on the door. You just never see one actually get out.”
Simmons said the incident has not discouraged him from continuing to meet residents face to face.
“To me, talking to people at their doors is the best way to talk through the issues and questions on their minds and to get away from the world of social media,” he said.
Some residents have offered him water or Gatorade during his walks, while others have invited him inside to escape the heat and discuss city issues in the air conditioning.
“Too many residents have been surprised that I am actually showing up at their door,” Simmons said. “I always ask them if they have questions or concerns.”
He said those conversations give him a chance to address misinformation, clarify issues residents may have encountered online, and discuss his vision for the city.
As for whether the shaggy resident’s household will support him in November, Simmons believes he may have won over at least one voter.
The dog, however, has yet to make an endorsement.
“I may need to go back and formally ask for the dog’s support,” Simmons joked.
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