Bradenton Beach’s mayor looks to make it 20.
Having served 18 years in public office in Bradenton Beach, Mayor John Chappie has confirmed he will seek another two-year term.
Chappie, a nearly 50-year resident of the city, announced his candidacy July 25, saying he wants to continue guiding the city through post-storm recovery efforts following the destructive 2024 hurricane season.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us,” Chappie told The Islander.
Chappie has served more than 12 years as mayor — in two six-year periods — and six years as a city commissioner.
The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections currently lists Chappie as the only active candidate in the city’s upcoming election, but qualifying has yet to begin.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Jan Vosburgh, who has served on the dais for 11 years since moving to the city in 2003, announced she will not seek reelection.
Commissioner Debbie Scaccianoce confirmed she will run for a full term. She was appointed in December 2023 to fill the seat vacated by Jake Spooner, who resigned over a pending financial disclosure requirement shortly after his reelection in November 2023 to a two-year term.
Commissioner Ralph Cole, whose term was extended to 2025 due to ward boundary adjustments, told The Islander on Aug. 8 that he is undecided about whether he will seek another term.
Cole has served 10 years on the city commission.
“I am looking at my paperwork, but I am still considering,” Cole said Aug. 8.
The qualifying period for candidates will be noon Monday, Aug. 25, to noon Friday, Aug. 29.
To qualify, candidates must submit proof of residency, appoint a campaign treasurer, open a campaign account and pay a qualifying fee equal to 4% of the annual salary for the position sought.
Commissioners earn $4,800 per year, while the mayor earns $9,600 a year.
As of June 20, Bradenton Beach had 486 registered voters, down from 596 in May 2024, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
For more information, go online to the supervisor of elections website at votemanatee.com.