HOLMES BEACH – Former city commission candidate and planning commissioner Steve Oelfke has been appointed to fill the remainder of Pat Morton’s two-year term that expires in November.
After 22 years in office, Morton announced his resignation during the city commission’s Feb. 11 work session. During the brief discussion that ensued after Morton’s announcement, the mayor, city attorney and city commissioners discussed appointing Oelfke to serve the remainder of Morton’s term – in part because Oelfke received the third highest number of votes in the 2024 election that resulted in Dan Diggins being elected to serve another term and Carol Whitmore being elected to rejoin the city commission after a long stint as a county commissioner.
The four remaining commissioners expressed their unanimous support for Oelfke but the appointment could not be made during a commission work session.
During the Feb. 25 city commission meeting, Whitmore nominated Oelfke to fill the vacancy. Commissioner Terry Schaefer seconded the motion and Diggins and Commissioner Carol Soustek supported the nomination with no other nominees.
“Welcome Steve,” Diggins said.
Before City Clerk Stacey Johnston swore Oelfke in as a city commissioner, City Attorney Erica Augello said he had to first resign from the planning commission.
“As much as I hate to leave the planning commission, I will have to relinquish my position,” Oelfke said.
After being sworn in, Oelfke took his seat on the commission dais and signed some required documents.
After congratulating Oelfke, Schaefer said, “You served the city very well on the planning commission and I can’t think of a better proving ground. After the election, you never lost interest in the city. You were here, I believe, every (city commission) meeting, paying attention and observing. I think that’s a tribute to your sincere effort to serve our city.”
“I think we all concur on that,” Diggins added.
Speaking for the first time as a city commissioner, Oelfke said, “It’s just an honor to be here with you all and I look forward to being able to contribute and help make the city great.”
He then participated in the rest of the meeting.
Planning commission vacancy
Oelfke’s appointment to the city commission creates a vacancy on the planning commission, which meets the first Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. Planning commissioners review land use ordinances and issues and make non-binding recommendations to the city commission.
The city is currently accepting applications for the open position on the planning commission. Applicants must be qualified electors (voters) of Holmes Beach and must have lived in the city for a minimum of two years.
Applications should be submitted to the city clerk’s office no later than Wednesday, March 19. Applications are available at the city’s website and those interested can also contact Johnston at cityclerk@holmesbeachfl.org or by calling 941-708-5800, ext. 226.
Related coverage: Morton resigns from Holmes Beach commission
