BRADENTON BEACH – Ward 1 has a new commissioner.
The application for commissioner by business owner and former Manatee County records manager Deborah Scaccianoce was approved by the commission and she was sworn in at its March 21 meeting.
She filled the vacant seat left by former Commissioner Jake Spooner. Spooner, a local businessman, ran unopposed in 2023, but resigned in December citing the state’s financial disclosure requirement.
Bradenton Beach resident Gary Michniewicz was the other applicant for the commission seat. The deadline for applications was March 13.
Scaccianoce is the co-owner of Double Deez Chicago Style Hot Dogs in Holmes Beach.
She addressed the commission prior to the nomination.
“My family has been a part of the Bradenton Beach area for the past 45 years. It’s been my permanent home for almost 12 years. My brother was the chief of police here, Sam Speciale. In the 80s, my father worked for the planning board. We’ve been around a very long time,” she said.
Scaccianoce said over the years she’s watched Bradenton Beach grow and develop.
“I’ve watched all the changes, some painful, others amazing,” she said. “I think I bring a unique perspective. I’m also a small business owner and I understand the balance we have to have with the balance of the city’s needs the balance of our residents, the balance with our commissioners and their various wards, business owners and our visitors.”
“I think Debbie would be a great commissioner with her history and experience,” Mayor John Chappie said. “I’d like to name her as nominee.”
Michniewicz did not attend the meeting.
“We also have the other gentleman, Gary, I’ve talked a little bit with him, he is, I believe, out of town. He knew about the meeting, I can’t really add anything else besides his resume that I have here as well,” Chappie said. “The gentleman said he would also be qualified and interested in other positions, such as the CRA Board and the Planning and Zoning Board.”
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh that while both applicants had excellent resumes, she felt that Scaccianoce had more experience with government work.
“I look forward to getting another member up here,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry read the following motion:
“To approve the Mayor’s nomination of Deborah Scaccianoce as Ward Representative One.”
Cole made the motion and it was seconded by Vosburgh. It passed unanimously.
After being sworn in by City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, Scaccianoce took her seat at the commissioner’s table.
Commissioners receive a stipend of $4,800 per year. Her term will run until November 2025.
Commissioner Marilyn Maro did not attend or phone into the commission meeting.
