Early life and education
Gambaro was born on March 15, 1978, in Titusville, Florida. He is the son of Charles and Hayde Gambaro; his father served in the U.S. military at the rank of Colonel. He was raised in Oviedo, Florida. [1] In his youth, he was involved in the 4-H program in Seminole County. [1]
In 1996, Gambaro graduated from Oviedo High School, where he served as Student Body President. In 1999, he graduated from the University of Florida with two Bachelor of Arts, in Political Science and History. [1] He later graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Master of Public Administration, and from the United States Army War College with a Master of Strategic Studies.
In October 2024, Gambaro also possessed a candidacy for a Doctoral in Public Administration; [2] but confirmed in 2025 that he did not complete it. [3]
Military career
While attending the University of Florida, Gambaro participated in the university's ROTC program. In 1999, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. [1]
Gambaro entered active duty in January 2000; he was variously assigned to the 6th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade, and 558th Transportation Company. [1]
In January 2003, he deployed to Kuwait to support Operation Enduring Freedom, and help prepare equipment for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March, he commanded the 3rd Infantry Division into Iraq; and was promoted to Captain in May. Later that year, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge. [1]
As of 2025, he now serves in the United States Army Reserve, at the rank of Brigadier general. [4]
Political career
On November 7, 2006, Gambaro was elected to the Flagler County Soil and Water Conservation District; [1] he served in the role until 2010. [5] In February 2007, he was elected Chairman of the Flagler County Soil and Water Conservation District. [1]
On June 20, 2007, Charles was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve as a member of the Flagler County School Board; [1] Gambaro filled a vacancy that opened following the resignation of board member Jim Guines. [2] Gambaro served on the board until 2008. [5] Gambaro ran for re-election, but was defeated in the primary by Andy Dance and Lucy Green Davis; [6] Dance won the general election in November 2008 and succeeded Gambaro. [7]
Palm Coast City Council
On October 1, 2024, Gambaro was appointed to serve as the District 4 City Councilman for Palm Coast, following a vacancy from Cathy Heighter. He will serve out the remainder of his predecessors' term, which ends in November 2026. [10]
Following the appointment of Gambaro to the position, Mayor Mike Norris of Palm Coast began to dispute the decision, arguing it violated the City Charter. Media sources, city councilmembers, and the City Attorney defended Gambaro, arguing that Norris was attempting to distract from his own political scandals. Notably, Norris had previously targeted and attempted to remove the City Manager and City Chief of Staff, leading to accusations that Norris had violated the City Charter from the City Council. [11]
In response, Gambaro accused Norris of fostering a "toxic work environment", and that Norris was attempting to manufacture false controversy. [11]
In July 2025, following lawsuits from Norris against the city, Judge Chris France (of the Seventh Circuit Court of Florida) ruled against Norris on all counts. France ruled that Gambaro's appointment was lawful, in a hearing that lasted less than one hour. Gambaro celebrated the ruling, calling the lawsuit "the action of a toxic and isolated leader". [12]
Later that month, the City Council censured Norris for the second time, with Gambaro deriding Norris as a "clear and present danger to the citizens of Palm Coast." The Council agreed to send a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis, and ask him to unseat Norris as mayor. [13]
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