Bradenton Beach commissioners March 21 appointed Deborah Scaccianoce as commissioner for Ward 1.
The ward is bounded by Seventh Street North, 25th Street North, the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.
Commissioners considered two applicants, Scaccianoce, a co-owner of Double Deez Chicago Style Hotdogs in Holmes Beach, and Gary Michniewicz, a retired executive originally from Chicago.
Michniewicz was celebrating an anniversary in Tahiti and did not attend the meeting, while Scaccianoce addressed commissioners about her interest in the future of Bradenton Beach.
“I’ve watched this city grow and develop. I’ve watched all the changes — some painful, some amazing,” she said.
Scaccianoce said her father was a member of the planning board in the early 1980s and her brother, Sam Speciale, served as police chief.
Scaccianoce said she brings a unique perspective as a longtime resident and an island business owner.
“I understand the balance that we have to have,” she said. “The balance of the city’s needs, the balance of our residents and its various wards.”
Scaccianoce fills the seat vacated by Jake Spooner in December 2023.
Mayor John Chappie expressed confidence in Scaccianoce’s ability to represent Ward 1, having worked with her during his tenure as a Manatee County commissioner.
Scaccianoce worked as records manager for the county for more than 11 years.
“You always did an excellent job there as records manager,” Chappie said.
Commissioner Ralph Cole motioned to nominate Scaccianoce for the commission seat which was seconded by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh. The motion passed 3-0. Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.
Scaccianoce was sworn into office by city clerk Terri Sanclemente and immediately took her seat at the dais for a commission meeting that lasted just over six hours.
Scaccianoce, a resident of the city for the past 11 years, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve during a March 21 interview with The Islander.
“I am excited. I am glad I got to hit the ground running,” she said. “I look forward to the next meeting and everything that’s coming.”