Holmes Beach will have a new mayor before the year’s end.
Mayor Judy Titsworth told The Islander May 21 that she will not seek reelection in the Nov. 3 general election after eight years in the position, allowing her current term to expire in November.
Titsworth joined the city commission in 2012 and served as chair from 2013 until 2018, when she was elected mayor. She was reelected mayor in 2020, 2022 and 2024.
She said she was sad to leave the position but happy with what she had accomplished, including leading the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and standing against Manatee County’s push for a parking garage.
“I pretty much checked all the boxes, so I asked myself: ‘If I left for a week, would the city run perfectly smooth?’ And it would because I’ve got all the perfect people in all the department head positions,” Titsworth said. “So it’s really the best time ever to hand over the reins.”
That somebody might be Commissioner Dan Diggins, who told The Islander May 21 that he plans to run for the mayoral seat in the upcoming election.
Diggins was first elected to the commission without opposition in 2022 and reelected in 2024. His current term will expire in November. He served as commission chair from 2024-25 and vice-chair 2025-26.
He said he made the decision to run for mayor after learning that Titsworth would not seek reelection.
“I just feel like I have a lot to offer the city. I have executive experience with the federal government and, of course, I have almost four years of commission experience in Holmes Beach,” Diggins said.
He praised Titsworth’s staff and her job as mayor and said that he wanted to continue her good work.
“I just want to continue keeping the city going in the right direction,” Diggins said.
Meanwhile, Commission Chair Carol Whitmore told The Islander May 21 that she will run for reelection as commissioner.
Whitmore first served as city commissioner from 1991-98, then as mayor from 1998-2006. She then served on the Manatee Board of County Commissioners for 16 years, 2006-22.
She was again elected to the city commission in 2024 and selected by the board to serve as chair in 2025.
Whitmore said she loves the city and public service, which she has more time for now that she’s retired.
“I’ve only done this because I love my city and I want to make my city successful,” she said.
Qualifying period set to begin
Two city commission seats and the mayoral post will be up for grabs this November.
The optional prequalifying period began May 26 and ends Friday, June 5, while the official qualifying period will run from noon Monday, June 8, to noon Friday, June 12.
To qualify, people must be Holmes Beach residents for at least two years and file four forms with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office during the qualifying period, including:
- Form DS-DE 9, appointment of campaign treasurer and designation of campaign depository for candidates, which must be filed before opening a campaign account and accepting or spending any funds;
- Form DS-DE 84, statement of candidate, which must be filed within 10 days of Form DS-DE 9;
- Form DS-DE 302NP, candidate oath nonpartisan office;
- CE Form 1, statement of financial interests.
Candidates must either file an affidavit of undue burden or pay an election assessment fee equivalent to 1% of the position’s annual salary — which is $8,210.04 for city commissioners and $28,680 for mayors — via check to the SEO.
They also must submit a candidate residency affidavit and 15 petition signatures from registered voters who are Holmes Beach residents.
To learn more, visit the SEO’s website at votemanatee.gov.
Mayor Judy Holmes Titsworth writes:
After fourteen years in city government—six as a commissioner and eight as mayor, I have made the personal decision to retire from public office after the completion of my term. This decision comes after thoughtful reflection about personal energy, purpose, and recognizing the right time to step aside. One of the clearest signs that the time is right is knowing the city is well-positioned for the future. Holmes Beach is supported by an exceptional team of professionals whose dedication, experience, and commitment to this community give me great confidence in the city’s continued success for years to come.
I can honestly say I have accomplished the primary goals I set out to achieve. From protecting our neighborhoods and preserving our “Old Florida” character, to modernizing city operations, strengthening resiliency, improving infrastructure, and guiding our city through unprecedented hurricanes and recovery efforts, I will leave office deeply proud of what we have accomplished together.
At the same time, public service requires passion and energy. After many rewarding years, I recognize that I no longer feel the same excitement for the daily demands of government and that it is time to prioritize my physical well-being, family, and personal pursuits. I look forward to embracing new opportunities and experiences beyond public office.
This decision feels especially meaningful as Holmes Beach just celebrated its 75th Anniversary. As a lifelong resident and granddaughter of founder John E. Holmes Sr., serving this city has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have had the privilege of helping preserve the vision our founders created—a small-town coastal community built on thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and community pride.
Holmes Beach today remains one of the most sought-after coastal communities in the world because generations of leaders and residents fought to protect its character and quality of life. As we look toward the future, I hope our city continues to balance tourism, environmental protection, and responsible growth while preserving the charm and resilience that make this island so special.
The future of Holmes Beach is bright. I will be leaving office with confidence in our staff, gratitude for our residents, and optimism for the next generation of leadership.
Serving this community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I will always be thankful for the trust and support this city has shown me.