The city of Bradenton Beach ceremoniously honored former Commissioner Jake Spooner Feb. 15, presenting him with a plaque and flowers.
Spooner, a commissioner since 2015, was reelected in 2023 but resigned Dec. 28, 2023, citing the state’s expanded financial disclosure requirements, which now apply to municipal officeholders, as his reason for resigning.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the years you have served the city of Bradenton Beach,” Mayor John Chappie said. “You have been a real go-to person for the community. You have been generous to the extreme, not only with your time as a commissioner but as a resident and neighbor to all of us.”
Commissioner Ralph Cole commended Spooner for his integrity and hard work.
“People don’t realize how much money you saved the city,” Cole said. “A lot of good things have come from what Jake has done. I know I will miss having you up here.”
Before departing city hall, Spooner spoke from the podium: “I’d just like to say thank you. It’s really been an honor to serve with all of you. I’ve learned so much. I love this community and I know you guys do, too. Thank you for your time and dedication to this job because I know firsthand what it takes.”
The city’s focus now shifts to selecting a successor for Spooner’s Ward 1 seat.
During the Feb. 15 meeting, commissioners passed a final reading of an ordinance modifying ward boundaries.
Based on recommendations from the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, the boundaries of Ward 1 and Ward 2 shifted and Ward 3 and Ward 4 flipped to allow sequential numbering from the north to the south end of the city.
Vosburgh motioned to approve the modifications and was seconded by Cole. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.
With the new boundaries, the city made a public declaration of vacancy for the Ward 1 commission seat.
The city charter dictates the commission must propose nominees for a vacant seat from within the ward and then vote to fill the vacancy for the remaining term.
Spooner’s term ends in November 2025.
As of Feb 15, applicants for the vacant seat included:
- Debbie Scaccianoce, co-owner of Double Deez Chicago-Style Hotdogs restaurant, who brings experience as a former records manager for Manatee County;
- Gary Michniewicz, a former division director for Speedway LLC and former board member for the Knights of Columbus’ juvenile diabetes initiative.
Others interested in applying can contact the city at 941-778-1005 or 107 Gulf Drive N.
Applicants must be registered voters who have permanently resided in Bradenton Beach for 12 consecutive calendar months with proof of residency.
A commissioner receives a stipend of $400 a month.
Commissioners agreed on a deadline of 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, for applications. Potential candidates will be reviewed by the commission at noon, Thursday, March 21, at city hall.
If a majority decision on a successor is not reached by the commission after two meetings, city clerk Terri Sanclemente will choose a successor by lot from the proposed nominees.