Small Business Owner

Julius founded parent company Melentree with subsidiaries Realty, Advertising and Medatarax HealthCare Solutions.  He currently holds a Real Estate Broker license, an Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate from the University of Phoenix,  A+ / Net+ CompTia certificates earned while attending the Digital Design and Network Support programs at TECO (now Osceola Technical College).  Julius is currently the Network Administrator for PBM Specialties headquartered in Kissimmee.

After graduating from Poinciana High School, Julius received an AA degree from Valencia College, a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from UCF, a second bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix and an MBA from the University of Phoenix South Orlando campus.  He is currently enrolled in Valencia College's technical certificate program with a specialization in computer programming.

Julius's real estate experience began with an appointment to the Osceola County Parks & Recreation Committee, the Value Adjustment Board,  the East Central Florida Regional Planning Board and Osceola County Association of Realtors Grievance Committee.

Julius understands that our businesses and taxpayers must respect and value education.  Every person should have the opportunity to raise their standard of living by being properly prepared and technically able to work in the high wage industries of the future.

Sgt. "Doc" Melendez enlisted in the Army National Guard basic training at Ft Benning, GA  and graduated from Ft. Sam Houston, TX  as a combat medic with the 2/124th Infantry Regiment based out of Orlando, FL.   His infantry unit deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom in 2003. They were stationed throughout Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq with initial assignments to defend Patriot Missile Batteries.

During Florida's unprecedented 2004 hurricane season, his unit was activated to provide security, hand out food and water, and to assist local law enforcement with traffic control and other duties.

In 2010, as a member of the 2/116th Field Artillery Regiment based out of Lakeland, his new unit deployed again to Iraq, this time in support of the draw down of major combat forces.  Sgt Melendez was tasked with Convoy Escort Teams to provide security and medical assistance as the personnel and logistics were moved from Iraq to the ports in Kuwait.

In 2016, US Congressman Darren Soto appointed Julius to his Veterans Advisory Committee and subsequently to the US Air Force Academy Nominating Board.  Julius is proud of Congressman's Soto's initiative to have an office with attentive staff to help our local veterans in need at the Lake Nona VA Hospital.  Unfortunately, the VA is fighting back and rejecting the increased transparency and accountability.  We hope the President does not continue wavering when our disabled veterans could use the help of our congress at VA clinics and hospitals.

School Board Member

Julius was elected as Vice Chair of the Osceola County School Board during one of the worst recessions that experienced drastic cuts in state funding, local property tax decreases and the reduction in the collection of impact fees.  Other school districts across the nation were forced to close down schools and massively layoff teachers to balance the budget.

The board was collectively able to balance the budget without a single school closure, no mass layoffs, no increases in sales tax, and was even able to maintain a working relationship with our unions - all the while increasing our arts programs and IB offerings in new schools!

Julius also served as the Chairman of the School District's Audit Advisory Committee, past Vice Chair of the Four Corner's Charter school and volunteer finance committee for Holy Redeemer Catholic School.

When Julius co-founded J3 advertising over ten years ago, he was a creative director and copywriter.  He co-produced and co-wrote a Spanish language television series entitled Puntos de Vista, a feature length-film by Buddy Dolan Point of Contact, and indie film shot in Central Florida called Gatorman.

Julius was an active member of the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association who advocated in Tallahassee with then film commissioner Paul Sirmons for the Film in Florida tax credits that continue employing and marketing our State.

After returning from his first tour of duty in Iraq, Julius was constantly asked about his experiences during the war.  As a result, he wrote an original screenplay that was published as a novel by Legacy Publishing entitled Rivers of Sand.  The fictional story highlights the transition of a combat medic from a theater of war to civilian life.   Julius has since followed up with a sequel and another original screenplay called Equal Assets.