A conversation with Jeff Adelman, who is running for Coral Springs Commission
.png "Jeff Adelman")
Two lifelong Coral Springs residents have announced campaigns for Joshua Simmons’ Coral Springs City Commission seat, months ahead of the official deadline and over a year before voting is scheduled to take place.
Jeffrey “Jeff” Adelman and Melissa Donnahoe spoke one-on-one with the Coral Springs News about the skills and priorities they believe will make them ideal municipal leaders.
They share a number of priorities: Both highlight the importance of dialogue and community in their pitches to potential voters, with a focus on practical ways to make residents’ lives better.
“Potholes don’t have political parties,” Adelman said. “We should focus on what’s happening on the ground, not who’s a Democrat and who’s a Republican. I just want to make people’s lives easier.”
Both also highlighted their professional and volunteer experiences that they believe make them quality candidates — and set them apart from one another.
Simmons has been the city commissioner for Seat 4 since 2018. But after two straight terms, he will be term-limited in 2026.
Here’s more from our conversation with Adelman:
A trial lawyer’s view
Adelman’s career as a trial lawyer is at the core of his strategy as a possible commissioner. He mainly works in personal injury law and mediation, but his work expands outside the courtroom.
“My job is to advocate for my clients,” Adelman said. “Sometimes that means listening and supporting, other times it’s telling them that they did something wrong.”
He spoke at length about working with people, regardless of if they agree or disagree. That extends to giving his personal phone number to whoever wants it, including clients and other attorneys.
In addition, he co-owned his law firm with his father until it merged with another firm to become Brotman, Nusbaum, Ibrahim and Adelman, where he is a partner. That, Adelman says, gives him experience owning a small business in the area and managing staff, finances and other items.
Volunteering and leadership
Adelman’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic are at the core of his pitch to voters.
“I think that I am a proven leader in my profession,” he said.
Adelman focused on his tenure as President of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates during the pandemic, when he assisted with courts’ transition to Zoom hearings. He went on to receive statewide recognition for the work.
He also hosts a podcast and makes short videos explaining the law for everyday people.
It’s a volunteer position, and it isn’t his only one. Adelman said he mentors young lawyers and acts as a guardian for unaccompanied minors in the courtroom. His appreciation for conversation and advocacy expands outside of formal roles as well, he said, and includes empowering people to advocate for themselves.
That includes Christiane Denoble, who testified at an October City Commission hearing about the lack of programs at Sartory Hall, the city’s senior center.
“I’m not afraid to stand up and speak out for what I believe in,” Adelman said. “I know how to get things done and how to get people to do the same.”
This story was originally published October 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
