MANATEE COUNTY – Scott Farrington has been sworn in as Manatee County’s new supervisor of elections.
On Jan. 7, Clerk of the Court Angelina Colonneso swore Farrington in with his wife, Amy, and his son, Jacob, standing by his side. The ceremony took place at the supervisor of elections office in Bradenton in a room filled with county residents and elections office staff members.
In January 2024, Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett announced his retirement effective March 1. In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher to serve the remaining months of Bennett’s four-year term, despite Satcher having no prior experience conducting an election or running an elections office.
In response to DeSantis’ decision, Farrington resigned as the elections office chief of staff. He then sought election to serve as Manatee County’s next duly-elected supervisor of elections. In August, Farrington defeated Satcher in the August primary election and he ran unopposed in the general election in November.
Former Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett addressed the ceremony attendees. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The swearing-in ceremony began with Bennett addressing the large crowd and saying, “This goes to show what happens when the right people win.”
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Colonneso conducted the brief ceremony that ended with a warm round of applause.
Farrington then thanked Bennett, for whom he served as chief of staff for 11 years. He also shared some thoughts about being a first-time candidate and having to gather petition signatures, design campaign signs, attend campaign fundraisers and participate in other campaign-related activities.
In reference to the non-partisan nature of the elections office and attending a campaign fundraiser organized by Bennett, Farrington said, “I’ve done my best to stay out of politics. That was the first fundraiser I’ve ever been to and I hope it’s the last.”
Getting more emotional, Farrington thanked his wife and son. “My family: I wouldn’t be here without their support. Amy knew when to push, when to support and when to kick me in the ass – and she enjoyed the last part a little too much.”
Many Manatee County residents attended the swearing in ceremony. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Farrington praised the elections office staff for successfully conducting the primary and general elections – a feat accomplished with an inexperienced, first-time supervisor. He asked them to stand and be recognized with a round of applause.
“Without them, you would not have had an election. I know I can count on you,” he told them.
To the county residents in attendance, he said, “I believe the reason you decided to elect me is because you trusted the elections we’ve had under Mike Bennett and you want to still trust them. I believe the reason you have put me here is you want to hold safe, secure, accurate and transparent elections and that is what we are going to do. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I am so proud to be your supervisor.”
MANATEE COUNTY – The Supervisor of Elections Office will conduct post-election audits for all election contests, beginning with the upcoming primary election that concludes on Aug. 20.
On July 25, Interim Supervisor of Elections James Satcher issued a press release that noted Manatee County is the 37th Florida county to implement the Clear Ballot audit system.
“When I was appointed by Gov. DeSantis, I reached out to other counties to ask what advice they had to enhance the security and integrity of our elections, and the number one suggestion was the Clear Ballot system,” Satcher stated in the press release. “A third-party, independent audit of 100% of our election results is going to help secure our elections and increase voter confidence and trust in the election process.”
The press release notes Clear Ballot’s technology is tested and certified for use by the Florida Department of State for post-election audits.
“The system utilizes high-speed scanners to rescan and tabulate ballots for a comprehensive verification of results, completely independent of the primary voting system,” the press release notes.
James Satcher is serving as the Interim Supervisor of Elections. – Manatee County | Submitted
“Supervisor James Satcher’s office remains dedicated to ensuring a fair, lawful and secure election process for all citizens of Manatee County,” the press release said in conclusion.
According to Supervisor of Elections Office Public Information Officer Vinola Rodrigues, the Clear Ballot system cost $179,615, plus an additional $25,000 in software costs.
Clear Ballot debated
On March 1, longtime Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett retired. On April 12, DeSantis appointed Satcher to serve the remaining seven months of Bennett’s four-year term. At the time, Satcher was a first-term county commissioner who had no experience running an election or an election office. Bennett’s longtime chief of staff, Scott Farrington, also sought the gubernatorial appointment and resigned after DeSantis appointed Satcher.
With no Democratic candidate in the race, the Aug. 20 Republican primary election will determine whether Satcher or Farrington serves as Manatee County’s elections supervisor for the next four years.
On June 19, the Lakewood Ranch Republican Club hosted a candidate forum, during which Satcher and Farrington discussed the Clear Ballot system. Forum moderator Bruce Stamm noted there have been very few complaints or reported problems with past Manatee County elections. Stamm also noted the county commission recently provided the elections office (at Satcher’s request) with an additional $841,340 for the final four months of the 2023-24 fiscal year that ends Sept. 30. Stamm asked the candidates what problems the elections office is trying to solve.
Satcher acknowledged Manatee County elections have been mostly complaint-free, but there have been problematic elections elsewhere in Florida.
“Clear Ballot is going to audit every single vote that’s cast in Manatee County. Every single vote in Manatee County’s going to be double-checked. This election’s going to be audited,” Satcher proclaimed.
He also said implementing the Clear Ballot system before the general election would help prevent “liberals” from challenging the election results.
Former elections office Chief of Staff Scott Farrington hopes to serve as Manatee County’s next Supervisor of Elections. -VoteScottFarrington.com | Submitted
In response, Farrington said, “The Clear Ballot system is one that Mike Bennett and I looked at. It was a system we may have even chosen to implement in 2025. I’m not about to say it’s a bad system by design, but I’m not sure it was necessary. You’re looking to implement it inside of four months. It’s not a simple thing to do. For a system like that, you would want six months to a year to implement, test and make sure people were trained.”
Bennett’s insights
When contacted by The Sun and asked about the Clear Ballot audit system, Bennett said, “This is a system that Scott Farrington and I studied for about four years. We looked at voting recounts, ballot errors and studied the last major recount and the cost of doing it. Our study showed that for Manatee County, and counties of our size, the cost did not make sense.
“If Satcher would have waited to study the election results after being on the job for a couple of years, and a few elections, he then would be able to make an intelligent decision instead of wasting the taxpayers’ money. Spending other people’s money is what many liberal politicians do. True conservatives watch and protect the taxpayers’ money. Scott Farrington would protect the taxpayers’ money,” Bennett said.
MANATEE COUNTY – County voters will ultimately determine whether former Chief of Staff Scott Farrington or recent gubernatorial appointee James Satcher serves as Manatee County’s next supervisor of elections.
Farrington and Satcher are expected to square off in the Republican primary election that concludes on Aug. 20.
If no Democrat or non-party-affiliated candidate joins the race, the primary will determine the race winner.
On April 12, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Satcher, then a Manatee County commissioner, to serve the remaining months of the four-year term that longtime supervisor Mike Bennett vacated on March 1 after announcing his retirement in January. Satcher has no previous experience conducting an election or managing an elections office and his appointed term expires after the November election.
As Bennett’s longtime chief of staff, Farrington oversaw the elections office operations from March 1 until April 12. He resigned the day DeSantis appointed Satcher. He was in his 12th year with the Manatee elections office, preceded by 10 years with the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office.
In January, with Bennett’s resignation pending, Farrington filed to run for the elected four-year Supervisor of Elections term that will begin after the November elections. As of Sunday, Satcher had not yet filed to run in the supervisor of elections race but he’s expected to file soon.
SATCHER TAKES OVER
In his new role, Satcher made a brief appearance before the county commission on April 16. While noting he’d soon seek additional county funds to address staffing and equipment needs, Satcher inferred that Farrington refused to provide the passwords needed to access the elections office computers.
Supervisor of Elections James Satcher appeared before the county commission on April 16. – YouTube | Submitted
“One person left on Friday of his own accord and took all the passwords with him and refused to give them to our technology department when we called and asked for the passwords,” Satcher said.
Farrington and Bennett later disputed Satcher’s allegation.
After Farrington’s departure, Satcher hired Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard’s husband, David Ballard, to serve as his chief of staff, despite Ballard currently being on probation in Manatee County.
On Feb. 1, 2023, the Florida Highway Patrol arrested Ballard on suspicion of driving under the influence with property damage and/or personal injury. He was also charged with leaving the scene of a crash. On March 6, 2023, the Bradenton Police Department arrested Ballard on suspicion of driving under the influence, refusal to submit to testing and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.
David Ballard was arrested twice in 2023 on suspicion driving under the influence. – Submitted
According to the March 6 probable cause affidavit, the responding officer smelled a faint smell of alcohol on Ballard’s breath. Ballard told the officer he had not consumed any alcohol that day but was taking prescribed medications that included Klonopin and alcohol withdrawal medicine. Ballard told the officer he was traveling home from the Centerstone rehabilitation facility when the accident occurred.
According to the March 6 probable cause affidavit, “Once officers arrived on scene, the defendant (Ballard) advised that his wife was driving and he was a passenger. He stated that she left the scene to make a phone call. She arrived shortly after and advised this was not true. He later stated that he forgot he was actually driving.”
On Aug. 24, 2023, Ballard pled no contest to the driving under the influence charge associated with his Feb. 1 arrest. He also pled no contest to all three counts associated with his March 6 arrest. According to the order of probation issued that day, Ballard was placed on probation for one year and his driver’s license was suspended for five years.
FARRINGTON SPEAKS
When speaking to The Sun on April 19, Farrington addressed the governor’s decision and said, “I was disappointed, but there’s nothing I can do about that now.”
Farrington confirmed he’ll remain in the supervisor of elections race and he’s happy Manatee County voters will decide who serves in that role for the next four years.
“I am running because I think the people of Manatee County deserve a choice. Right now, one choice is already laid out. I believe I offer a different option – one of experience. I have over 20 years of elections experience. Some people might not think that’s important, but there’s so much involved in running an election. I offer experience, integrity and honest elections,” Farrington said.
He’s now collecting the petition signatures needed as part of the candidate qualifying process.
“If anybody’s interested in signing one, they can go to my website, VoteScottFarrington.com, and download it, sign it and send it in,” he said.
Regarding Satcher’s claim about withheld passwords, Farrington said, “I did not take any passwords and I did not refuse to give any passwords back. That’s not true.”
BENNETT DISAPPOINTED
When speaking to The Sun on April 18, Bennett noted DeSantis has often expressed his desire for election integrity, yet he appointed a supervisor of elections with no previous experience and strong partisan political beliefs.
When announcing his resignation, Bennett sent DeSantis a letter that recommended Farrington be appointed to serve as the interim supervisor. Bennett said DeSantis never contacted him about the pending appointment, nor did any of the governor’s staff.
“I’m extremely disappointed with the governor and I’m extremely disappointed with (former Florida Senator) Bill Galvano for taking the lead on getting the governor to make that appointment,” Bennett said.
Regarding Satcher’s appointment, Bennett said, “To take somebody who has no knowledge of elections and never volunteered to sit on the canvassing board? He knows nothing about it. And then he hires a guy who’s on probation and can’t even drive the supervisor’s car to check on a polling place or an early voting spot. The new chief of staff knows nothing about elections and has never served on a canvassing board or been to a canvassing board meeting,” Bennett said.
Bennett is concerned that Satcher and Ballard’s lack of experience and strong political beliefs could affect public confidence and the integrity of the upcoming elections.
He also addressed Satcher’s claim about withheld passwords.
“That’s simply not true. Scott didn’t have all the passwords. All the passwords are with Sharon Stief,” Bennett said in reference to his longtime chief deputy, who remains in that position. “Nobody ever contacted Scott or me about getting any passwords.”
SUPERVISOR’S RACE
The Florida voter registration application and instruction form accessible at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website notes that Florida uses a closed primary system that only allows those affiliated with a specific political party to vote in party-specific primary elections.
“However, in primary elections, all voters can vote for candidates in that partisan primary race if the candidates face no opposition in the general election,” the form notes.
If no Democratic or non-party-affiliated candidates enter the supervisor of elections race – including a bogus candidate who runs simply to close the primary – the anticipated Farrington-Satcher primary race would be open to all Manatee County voters. If a Democrat or non-party-affiliated candidate enters the race, the primary becomes closed to Republican voters only.
If the primary is closed, non-Republican voters who wish to vote in the supervisor of elections primary race have until July 22 to change their current party affiliation to Republican, which can be easily accomplished and later reversed by visiting https://registertovoteflorida.gov/eligibilityreactive.
MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County voters who plan to vote by mail during the 2024 election cycle need to submit a request that vote-by-mail ballots be sent to them.
According to a press release issued on behalf of the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, more than 100,000 registered Manatee County voters are receiving official correspondence as part of the election office’s efforts to inform them of an important update they might not be aware of.
Manatee County voters who voted by mail in previous years are receiving notice that they need to make a new request to receive vote-by-mail ballots for the 2024 election cycle. The 2024 election cycle includes the Florida presidential primary election that takes place on March 19, the state primary election that concludes on Aug. 20 and the general election that concludes on Nov. 5, 2024.
Voters who previously provided their email addresses will receive an official email from the Supervisor of Elections Office. Others will receive their notification via regular mail. Voters who haven’t requested vote-by-mail ballots recently or in the past can also request vote-by-mail ballots for the 2024 election cycle.
The vote-by-mail ballot request process requires the voter to provide their name, date of birth and either the last four digits of their social security number or a valid Florida driver’s license or a valid Florida identification card.
The annual vote-by-mail ballot request renewal requirement stems from the Florida Legislature’s adoption of Senate Bill 90 in 2021. The state law created by that legislation limits the duration of requests for vote-by-mail ballots to all elections through the end of the calendar year of the next regularly scheduled general election.
As a result of the state law, Manatee County’s vote-by-mail voters’ rolls were wiped clean after the 2022 general election.
“We went from more than 100,000 voters having a request on record for a mail ballot to zero,” Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett stated in the press release. “This effort is about making people aware that they’ll need to renew their vote by mail request more frequently. Voters should renew their request sooner than later or they could forget and miss their opportunity to receive a mail ballot.”
In the press release, Bennett’s chief of staff, Scott Farrington, noted that during the 2022 general election, 110,260 vote-by-mail ballots were sent to Manatee County voters and 75,310 were returned as ballots cast, accounting for 44% of the county’s total voter turnout. Farrington said 7,848 Manatee County voters have already registered to receive vote-by-mail ballots during the 2024 election cycle.
“The SOE reminds Manatee voters that voting by mail is a safe and convenient way to cast your ballot. It allows voters to avoid potential Election Day obstacles like long lines, bad weather, or work delays. Voting by mail also gives voters more time to consider issues and candidates with their ballot in hand, rather than feeling rushed at the polling place,” the press release notes.
There are no contested city commission races or proposed charter amendments to be decided by Anna Maria Island voters during the 2023 election cycle. The only elections taking place in Manatee County in 2023 are the Bayshore Gardens Park & Recreation District and the Trailer Estates Park & Recreation District elections in December.
Manatee County voters can request their 2024 vote-by-mail ballots online or by calling 941-741-3823 and pressing the number 1 when prompted.
MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office has begun sending out vote-by-mail ballots to those who requested them, and returning a ballot by mail will require additional postage.
For the general election that concludes Tuesday, Nov. 3, the return postage rate is 70 cents to mail a completed vote-by-mail ballot to the Supervisor of Elections Office. The additional postage is required because the general election ballot consists of multiple pages.
According to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website, returning a completed general election 2020 ballot by mail requires two Forever stamps or 70 cents worth of postage.
“If returning your vote-by-mail ballot by mail, the U.S. Postal Service suggests returning your ballot no later than one week prior to election day. The return postage is $.70.,” according to the Supervisor of Elections website.
Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett examines 124 vote-by-mail ballots postmarked the same day as the Aug. 18 primary election. – Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office | Submitted
A single 55-cent Forever stamp will not provide adequate postage and the front side of the return envelope notes, “Post Office will not deliver without proper postage.”
You must also sign the back of the return envelope before sending it to the Supervisor of Elections Office.
Mail ballots can currently be delivered in person, without postage, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to the elections drop box at the Supervisor of Elections Office at 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 108, in Bradenton.
From Monday, Oct. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 1, vote-by-mail ballots can be delivered in person, without postage, to any of the early voting locations in Manatee County from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Those locations are:
The Florida DOT administration office at 14000 S.R. 64 E. in Bradenton;
The Manatee County utilities administration office at 4410 66th St. W. in Bradenton;
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Lakewood Ranch;
The Palmetto Library, 923 Sixth St. W. in Palmetto;
The Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. in Ellenton.
Late arriving ballots
On Aug. 21, the Supervisor of Elections Office distributed an email containing a message from Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett regarding vote-by-mail ballots returned too late to be counted for the primary election that concluded Tuesday, Aug. 18.
“With all the talk about the post office and vote-by-mail ballots arriving late or not at all, Michael Bennett, Manatee County Supervisor of Elections, wants to make sure everyone is aware of the voter’s responsibility,” the elections office email said.
Voters must sign the rear of the envelope before returning it to the Supervisor of Elections Office. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“It’s not the post office that made these ballots late, the voter waited until Election Day to mail their ballot,” Bennett said in the email.
“Some voters may be under the impression that it is the postmark date that enables their vote to be counted. Supervisor Bennett wants everyone to know, that’s not true. Per Florida Statute, ballots are accepted at the secure ballot drop box located outside of my office up to 7 p.m. on Election Day, not postmarked Election Day,” the email said.
The email noted more than 300 vote-by-mail ballots had arrived late as of Aug. 21 and 124 of those were postmarked Aug. 18.
“None of them are eligible to be counted. Voters whose ballots were received after Election Day that were postmarked the 18th – or even within a few days of that date – cannot blame the delay on the post office. It’s very disappointing that voters did not mail their ballots in time to be counted. So please, don’t blame the post office,” Bennett said in the Aug. 21 email.
According to Chief Deputy Sharon Stief, Saturday, Oct. 24 is the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed to you. Monday, Oct. 5 is the deadline to register to vote in this year’s general election.
More information is available at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website.
MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County commissioners are expected to vote on whether to mandate face coverings countywide on Monday, July 27.
Monday’s meeting will take place at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live and broadcast on Spectrum channel 644.
On Wednesday, July 22, county commissioners voted 4-3 to direct the county attorney’s office to draft, schedule and advertise the necessary resolutions and ordinances to put in place a mask mandate as soon as possible.
That motion was made by Commissioner Misty Servia and supported by commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Betsy Benac and Carol Whitmore. Commissioners Vanessa Baugh, Steve Jonsson and Priscilla Trace opposed Servia’s motion.
A small group of protestors greeted county commissioners Wednesday morning. – Submitted
County face-covering resolution
On Friday, the proposed face-covering resolution, R-20-116, was posted on the county website.
If adopted by the commission majority on Monday, the face-covering resolution would serve as a short-term measure while the more formal and time-consuming ordinance adoption process is completed.
Legal notice of a prospective mask ordinance was scheduled to appear in a local daily newspaper on Sunday. As of Saturday, a public hearing for the adoption of a face-covering ordinance had not yet been scheduled.
Resolution R-20-116 notes, “It is in the best interest of the county, and furthers the public health, safety and welfare of the county, to require the wearing of face coverings and the displaying of signs in business establishments to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
According to Section 3 of the proposed resolution, “An individual in a business establishment must wear a face covering while in that business establishment. The requirement in this section does not apply to:
“Situations in which individuals maintain 6 feet or more of distance between persons. This exception does not apply to employees who are present in the kitchen or other food and beverage preparation area of a business establishment. Nor does it apply to employees serving food or beverages.
A child under the age of 6.
Persons who have trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition or individuals with a documented or demonstrable medical problem. It is the intent of this exception that those individuals who cannot tolerate a facial covering for a medical, sensory or any other condition which makes it difficult for them to utilize a face covering and function in public are not required to wear one.
“Public safety, fire, and other life safety and health care personnel, as their personal protective equipment requirements will be governed by their respective agencies.
“Restaurant and bar patrons while eating or drinking. It is the intent of this exception that a face covering will be worn while traversing a business establishment for ingress and egress, to use the facilities, and while otherwise standing when persons are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distancing.
“An individual in a lodging establishment who is inside of the lodging unit, including, but not limited to, a hotel room, motel room, vacation rental unit, timeshare unit, or similar unit.”
The resolution notes, “Every business establishment shall display conspicuous signage notifying all persons of the requirement to wear a face covering.”
Definitions
The resolution defines face coverings as “A material that covers the nose and mouth and that fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk or linen. Coverings with materials made of multiple layers are highly encouraged. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand or the cloth face covering can be improvised from household items.”
The resolution states the term “business establishment” includes transportation companies such as Uber and Lyft and it also applies to mass transit, taxis, limousines, rental cars and other passenger vehicles for hire.
“The term ‘business establishment’ includes locations where non-profit, governmental and quasi-governmental entities facilitate public interactions and conduct business. The term ‘business establishment’ also includes places of worship,” the resolution says.
Enforcement and applicability
Section 4 of the county resolution says a violation of the emergency resolution is a noncriminal infraction and does not authorize the search or arrest of an individual. Prior to the issuance of a citation, the individual will be asked to comply with the emergency resolution or explain how an exception applies to them. The fine is $50 for a first offense, $125 for a second offense and $250 for every subsequent offense.
The ordinance would apply in cities within the county that do not have a mask ordinance, such as Bradenton Beach: “This emergency resolution shall apply countywide within both unincorporated and incorporated areas, provided that any municipal resolution or ordinance addressing the issue of face coverings – either more restrictively or less restrictively – shall supersede this emergency resolution within the applicable incorporated area,” the resolution states.
On Anna Maria Island, the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach already have emergency mask ordinances in place. The city of Bradenton Beach recommends masks but does not have a formal mask/face covering resolution, order or ordinance in place.
“This emergency resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. This emergency resolution shall remain in full force and effect for so long as the local state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic remains in effect,” the resolution states.
Commission discussion
The county commission’s 4-3 request for a mask resolution and ordinance occurred during the discussion of ongoing issues relative to the COVID-19 emergency as the final agenda item for the commission’s Wednesday, July 22 land use meeting.
Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague told commissioners if they wished to pursue a countywide mask mandate, he recommended it be based on the Leon County emergency mask ordinance that recently withstood a court challenge.
Leon County includes Tallahassee, where the state capital is located.
“From a legal standpoint, the best way to do this is by ordinance. The Leon example was an ordinance. Ordinances have the force of law in a way that resolutions and orders often do not. It carries with it greater weight with the courts as a legal requirement that everyone has to follow. If you decide to do this, the best model to use is the Leon model,” Clague said.
Before making her motion for a mask mandate, Commissioner Servia referenced the COVID-19 update Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Sauer had provided a few minutes earlier.
“We heard from Jake that deaths are up 15% in the last 30 days. We heard that hospitalizations are up 159 in the last 30 days. The daily positive rate is over 10%. Hospitals are at near capacity, or at capacity, and the outlook for those hospitals doesn’t look to be improving,” Servia said.
“Today, as we sit here and talk, my stepdad is at Manatee Memorial Hospital dying in the COVID unit,” Servia said.
“We on the board all have a friend who is on a ventilator and in critical condition because of COVID,” she added.
“I don’t like to wear a mask, but I do it to keep people safe, and I do it to try and keep our businesses open. I really worry about our businesses,” Servia said, expressing similar concerns about restaurants.
In response to a question and suggestion from Commissioner Bellamy, Clague said the commission could first adopt a mask resolution and later adopt a mask ordinance.
Commissioner Whitmore mentioned a letter the commissioners received from the Manatee County Medical Society which was signed by more than 100 local physicians seeking a countywide mask mandate.
In reference to an ordinance requiring 10 days’ notice, Whitmore said she just received a text from one doctor that said, “10 days is more deaths.”
Commissioner Trace suggested Sheriff Rick Wells attend Monday’s meeting and provide his input. When a mask mandate was previously discussed in late June, it was noted Wells opposed a mask mandate and did not think it was enforceable.
“We need to recognize it’s up to law enforcement how aggressively they want to enforce something like this. Typically they build in some time for people to come into compliance,” Clague noted.
Commissioner Steve Jonsson was the only commissioner who participated in Wednesday’s meeting remotely rather than in person.
Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague provided his legal insight on the commission’s pursuit of a mask mandate. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The businesses have to help us, and I think it’s their responsibility as private entrepreneurs. I don’t think it’s the government’s responsibility to dictate what we should be doing to prevent people from doing stupid things. I don’t personally believe that a face mask is 100% protective. You’ve got to do a lot more than just a face mask,” Jonsson said.
In response, Commissioner Benac said, “Steve, everything you’re saying about personal decisions makes so much sense, but we have to deal in reality. I think we have to take leadership. Why? Because I’ve heard from my constituency. The vast majority of people want us to do something. I don’t think anything the government is going to do is going to propel people who think it’s their right to not wear a mask to wear a mask. But I think the government is supposed to provide leadership. That is our job.”
During Wednesday’s meeting, several people spoke in favor of and in opposition to a countywide mask mandate.
Public support
David Klement, a 45-year county resident, spoke first.
“To Commissioner Jonsson, who said it’s not our role to prevent people from doing stupid things, I would say it is exactly your role. Preventing stupid people from doing stupid things saves my life. Why do you have a speed ordinance in a school zone? Why do we have a seat belt law? People of my generation are 80% more likely to have complications and die from one exposure. That is why we need an ordinance,” he said.
Bradenton resident and retired nurse Linda Crepeau said she was recently afraid to enter a local UPS store to return a package because there were six people, including the clerk, inside that limited space who were not wearing masks.
“I could not go safely into the store. There was no way for me to socially distance. I’m depending upon our government to stand up and require mandatory masks for all businesses in Manatee County,” Crepeau said.
Recently retired school nurse Mary Ann Jensen said, “On Saturday and Sunday when we’re all at home, your health care professionals will be in the hospitals watching people die, many of them alone. And all they’re asking for is your support. Please give us an ordinance because it does help.”
Impact on elections
Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett pleaded with the commission to enact a mask mandate before the county election in August – to be followed by the general election in November.
Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett said he needs a countywide mask mandate before the August elections. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I cannot stop somebody from coming into my office and saying, ‘No, I’m coming in without a mask.’ What am I going to do? Am I going to suppress the vote? I’m not. I’m going to say the Manatee County commissioners decided they were going to suppress the vote because they weren’t going to pass an ordinance that would allow me to keep my people safe,” Bennett said.
Bennett said he’s already reduced the number of voting precincts for the August elections from 70 to 60 and he’s prepared to go to 55 if needed.
“We’re having such a hard time getting clerks and poll workers for the elections. Yesterday, I closed the precinct at Freedom Village – all senior citizens, the smallest one we’ve got – because I don’t have a clerk. I need your help. I need that ordinance,” Bennett said.
He cautioned that the absence of a mask mandate could lead to the lowest voter turnout Manatee County has ever experienced.
“I have lost close to 50% of the clerks for the elections in Manatee County who are refusing to come because Manatee County doesn’t have an ordinance to make it safe for them. If you want a good election, let’s not suppress the vote. Give me all the help I need,” Bennett said.
Public opposition
When expressing her opposition to a mask mandate, Bradenton resident Andra Griffin questioned why all 403,553 residents of Manatee County – according to the 2019 census – would be forced to adhere to mask guidelines when less than 2% percent of the county’s population has tested positive for COVID-19.
Bradenton resident Andra Griffin opposes a countywide mask mandate. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Griffin also referenced a warning label that appears on a box of disposable face masks and said, “It clearly states these masks do not prevent COVID-19.”
Mixon Fruit Farms owner Janet Mixon said she and her staff use UV wands to sanitize the fruit farm’s indoor public spaces, but masks are not required.
“We don’t make it mandatory. Some of our people wear masks. Some of the people coming in wear masks. At some point, we all have to make our own decision. We have to decide what keeps us safe,” Mixon said, noting that wearing a mask for a long time gives her a headache.
“Let us make our own decisions. If you start doing stuff like this, we just don’t know when it’s going to end,” she added.
County Commission candidate James Satcher said, “This is a solution looking for a problem. The free market and businesses are already making their rules. I may not like their rule, but I don’t argue that they have the right and the ability to do that. I can take my business elsewhere. Government’s different. We have a responsibility to uphold personal freedoms and the Constitution and that’s why we should not pass this ordinance.”
Additional commission comments
After public comment, Servia said, “Masks are not the silver bullet. Please don’t think that I think that those masks are going to make this virus go away. It’s not. We need to socially distance, we need to hand wash, we need to avoid large crowds. It is another tool, a simple thing that’s going to help keep this community safe.”
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh recommends mask wearing but does not feel the county commission should make it mandatory. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Commissioner Baugh said, “I don’t think that’s what we need to be doing as a government entity. America is a free country. We have the right to make our own decisions and to stand by them. We have personal responsibility that does comes into play. I wear a mask. My husband wears a mask. I recommend it highly – and I think the key word is ‘recommend.’ ”
