SouthernWorldwide.com – A viral internet lookalike, free Botox, and imported New York bagel water are not the typical components of a mayoral campaign.
Peter Simel, the Florida man who gained internet fame earlier this year as “Palm Beach Pete” due to his striking resemblance to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, has announced he is “seriously considering” a run for mayor of Palm Beach. His proposed platform centers on the theme of “living your best life.”
“We are seriously considering it, and it’s a movement,” Simel stated. “We want to make Palm Beach really cool and great.”
Simel’s rise to internet fame was rapid, occurring almost overnight. A video of him driving a convertible along Interstate 95 in South Florida circulated online, with many social media users noting his uncanny similarity to Epstein.
In the viral clip, the person filming Simel could be heard exclaiming, “Epstein’s alive! Epstein’s alive!”
The Palm Beach resident described how the attention quickly escalated. “We had 200,000 followers in less than two days, and I got deplatformed,” he shared. “This whole thing occurred, and it has a mind of its own, the internet.”
Following this, Simel launched an Instagram account under the handle “@not.epstein,” embracing the viral fame that transformed him into an unexpected internet personality.
Simel, who is 71 years old, is a former competitor in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters. Throughout his interview, he consistently highlighted wellness, fitness, and enjoying the Palm Beach lifestyle as core elements of his potential campaign platform.
“I’m still realizing how big it is,” Simel remarked about his viral recognition. “I guess the best litmus test is when people come up to me in the street [saying], ‘Palm Beach Pete, we love you, you’re the GOAT, you’re a legend.’”
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Now, Simel appears to be channeling this momentum into a campaign-like movement. This includes merchandise, slogans, and a series of lighthearted policy proposals.
Simel’s website features campaign merchandise such as hats and proposals like “Free Botox for All Palm Beach Residents” and “Free Convertible Use for 1 Year.” He also proposes expanded pickleball courts and importing New York City water specifically for “better pizzas & bagels.”
“Everyone on the island of Palm Beach gets the use of a convertible for a year and see how they enjoy it because it’s all about living your best life,” Simel explained.
Additional proposals from Simel include free drinks at Palm Beach’s iconic clock tower, dog-walking services, and “fitness trainer[s] for life so you can live longer and pay taxes longer.”
“And then the funny one at the end,” he added, “is everyone gets free mother-in-law therapy.”
When questioned about the funding for proposals ranging from free Botox to imported New York water, Simel repeatedly emphasized that the campaign would be “self-funded.”
“I’m self-funding it,” he confirmed.
Despite his whimsical platform, Simel maintained that he is genuinely considering entering the mayoral race. “I’m seriously considering throwing my hat into the ring,” he said. “You can’t qualify until 2027 so we’re just doing our due diligence.”
Simel stressed that he does not view this endeavor as a traditional political campaign. “I’m not affiliated with any political party,” he stated. “I just want to keep the people together and bring people together and keep it as a great community.”
When asked about the current mayor’s apparent lack of response, Simel responded with a laugh. “I have no comment, other than the comment I just made,” he joked.
Simel described the initiative less as a conventional political effort and more as a broader, internet-fueled movement focused on positivity and Palm Beach culture. This is notable given that the town’s most famous resident, President Donald Trump, also calls Palm Beach home when not in Washington, D.C.
“In this day and time, and we have so much division and such uncertainty in the world, it’s kind of nice to have someone on a platform enjoying the benefits of living a good life and making the most out of what Palm Beach can be,” he commented.
The viral sensation also indicated that he has no intention of altering his appearance, despite the comparisons that propelled him to internet fame. “I’ve always looked like this,” he asserted. “I’m a better version of that unnamed person. And I’m not gonna change for anybody.”
“I’m me, I’m 71 years old. It works. I have a full head of hair. I’m lucky. I’m youthful. I’m vibrant. Nothing’s gonna change. I’m just gonna get more energetic.”
Simel mentioned that he already has a team assisting him in managing his sudden internet fame and potential campaign operations. “We’re interviewing people for a position as campaign manager and marketing,” he said, adding that a significant portion of the effort would likely be driven digitally through influencers and online creators.
“My demographic are Gen Zs and these influencers have such a hold or such an influence on them,” he explained. “As I get more followers, it gets bigger and bigger.”
Regarding his family’s reaction, Simel said it has ranged from cautious amusement to full support. “My daughter thinks it’s hilarious, and my son is neutral about it,” he shared. “For the most part, it’s been very positive from everybody.”
As for whether “Palm Beach Pete” might consider higher political aspirations in the future, the retiree stated he is focused on taking things one step at a time. “Baby steps,” he said. “How many times does a 71-year-old retired guy hang out with the coolest influencers and have a blast with it?”
For now, Simel appears content embracing his overnight internet celebrity status. This status has transformed him from a man driving down a Florida highway into one of social media’s most unexpectedly viral personalities. “All I have to say is vote early and vote often,” he concluded. “Vote for ‘Palm Beach Pete.'”
