Whitmore makes a bid to return to Holmes Beach City Commission

After more than two decades, a familiar figure might reemerge onto the Holmes Beach City Commission scene.

Carol Whitmore, a former city commissioner and mayor, disclosed on June 7 her submission of candidacy forms to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, expressing her intention to contest for a commissioner position in the upcoming Nov. 5 election.

Whitmore's initial stint in the city commission began in 1991, later transitioning to the mayoral role in 1998. Over her tenure, she secured reelection thrice and continued as mayor until 2006, when she embarked on a journey to serve on the Manatee Board of County Commissioners.

Her political journey as a Republican on the county board concluded in 2022, following her defeat in the at-large District 6 GOP primary race to Jason Bearden. However, Whitmore's commitment to public service remains unwavering as she seeks to leverage her extensive network across federal, state, and local levels to foster amicable relations within the city.

Expressing her attachment to her community, Whitmore remarked, "I love where I live, so I figured I’d throw my name in the hat. I’ll help however I can to close my political career."

In the forthcoming general election for the city commission, Whitmore is poised to encounter competition. With the mayoral post and two city commission seats up for contention, incumbent Commissioner Greg Kerchner's decision not to seek reelection further intensifies the electoral landscape. Meanwhile, Commissioner Dan Diggins has signaled his intent to vie for a second term.

Adding to the mix, planning commissioner Steven Oelfke has also entered the fray by filing candidacy forms on June 7, indicating a keen interest in securing a commission seat. This burgeoning competition ensures a vibrant electoral process with at least three candidates vying for two coveted spots.

Meanwhile, Mayor Judy Titsworth, hailing from a lineage deeply entrenched in the city's history as the granddaughter of its namesake John Holmes Sr., faces her own electoral challenge in pursuit of a fourth term. A lifelong islander, Titsworth assumed the mayoral mantle in 2018, cruising through reelection unopposed in 2020 and 2022.

However, her bid for another term is met with opposition from political newcomer Michael “Mike” Roth, who lodged his candidacy in January. As of June 7, Titsworth stood as the sole candidate with reported campaign contributions or expenses.

As the city's qualification period commenced on June 10 and wraps up at noon on Friday, June 14, the stage is set for a dynamic electoral contest. With mayors in Holmes Beach commanding a $28,160 annual salary and commissioners receiving $8,080 annually, coupled with two-year terms, the stakes are high in this closely watched race.

With 2,440 registered voters in Holmes Beach as of May 31, as per the SEO's records, the forthcoming election holds significant implications for the city's governance and trajectory.