More than 30 candidates have qualified to run for seats on county and city boards across Seminole County in what is likely to become a crowded ballot for voters in the Nov. 3 general election.
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At the county level, Republican Commissioner Amy Lockhart is seeking a third four-year term. She faces political newcomer and Democrat Charline Santos in the countywide race. Republican Seminole Commissioner Jay Zembower won re-election this year without opposition.
In Altamonte Springs, voters will elect a new mayor for the first time in nearly two decades after Pat Bates — who was first elected mayor in 2008 — opted not to seek a seventh term.
Altamonte Springs, along with every other local government, faces deep budget cuts next year if Florida’s proposed Amendment 3 is approved by more than 60% of Florida voters in the general election. The proposed amendment calls for increasing the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and up to $250,000 by 2028.
To cut back on spending his year, city officials have proposed closing Altamonte Springs’ 66-year-old library and no longer host the popular Red, Hot & Boom Independence Day fireworks event.
The possible drop in city revenues will undoubtedly be an issue Altamonte Springs’ next mayor will have to tackle. In that race, City Commissioner Mike Brunscheen will face Dominique Douglas, who ran for the commission’s District 4 seat in 2022.
Brunscheen has served as District 2 commissioner since 2022. Broderick Srodes was elected without opposition to succeed him in the District 2 seat.
In the District 4 contest, Jeffrey Boebinger and Eric Soto are campaigning for the seat after incumbent Commissioner Bob O’Malley decided not to seek re-election.
In Winter Springs, Mayor Kevin McCann will face candidate Jesse Phillips in one of the most hotly contested mayoral races in the region.
Winter Springs mayor presides over city commission meetings, but plays an unusual role compared to other Seminole municipalities.
The five-member Winter Springs commission votes on issues, but the mayor only casts a vote if there is a tie. The mayor also can veto an ordinance approved by the commission.
In the contest for the District 2 seat, incumbent Commissioner Victoria Bruce faces a challenge from Ken Spalthoff. In the District 4 contest, Commissioner Cade Resnick has drawn opposition from Kyle Craig Stewart.
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In Longwood, political newcomer Jeff Taylor was elected without opposition to the city commission’s District 5 seat after incumbent Brian Sackett — who has served on the board since 2003 — decided not to seek another term.
In Longwood’s District 3 race, incumbent Matthew McMillan will face Coury Matthew Knowles and Michael Pfenning.
In Casselberry, candidates Tyler Knight and Tim Veigle will vie for Seat 1 on the city commission to replace term-limited Anthony Aramendia.
In the city’s Seat 2 race, candidates Lourdes Crosby Garcia, Lindsay Feist and Travis Kelley are seeking to succeed current commissioner Nancy DiVita, who also is not seeking another term.
In the Seat 3 contest, incumbent Commissioner Mark Busch is challenged by candidate Amanda Hart.
Some Seminole cities will not hold a municipal election this year due to a lack of candidates.
Lake Mary will have a new mayor and a new member on its commission after Seat 4 Commissioner Justin York,was elected mayor without opposition. He will replace David Mealor, who was first elected to the seat in 2008, but decided not to seek another term.
Daniel Lopez will fill York’s former seat after not drawing an opponent. Incumbent commissioners Jordan Smith in seat 1 and Colleen Taylor in seat 3 also won re-election without opponents.
Oviedo too will not have a city election after incumbents Keith Britton, Alan Ott and Jeff Boddiford were elected to new terms on the City Council without opposition.
In Sanford, Christina Hollerbach won the non-partisan mayoral race on Aug. 18 after defeating Charles Davis. It will be the first time in six years that Sanford will have a new mayor after incumbent Art Woodruff decided not to seek a new four-year term.
She will be sworn in Dec. 14 at City Hall.
Seminole residents also will be casting votes for Florida governor and U.S. Senate, as well as in high-profile races for Congress and state Senate and four state House seats.
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