City Commissioner Scott Bear became the first candidate to file paperwork in Bradenton Beach’s Nov. 3 election.
Bear is looking to retain his Ward 2 seat on the commission.
There are two seats on the ballot in Bradenton Beach — a two-year Ward 2 commission term and a one-year Ward 3 commission term.
Official qualifying began June 8 and continues through noon June 12.
To qualify, candidates must provide proof of residency, appoint a campaign treasurer, open a campaign bank account and pay a qualifying fee equal to 4% of the annual salary for the office sought.
Bear filed a statement of candidacy on June 2 for the Ward 2 seat, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website.
Bear, a civil engineer and chair of the city’s community redevelopment agency, was unopposed in 2024 in a run for the commission seat held by Marilyn Maro.
He told The Islander June 4 that he would prioritize stormwater management, flood mitigation and resiliency projects if reelected.
Bear also has served as a city liaison to Manatee County regarding federal community development block grant disaster recovery funding to assist with hurricane recovery and infrastructure projects.
He said the city is awaiting additional details regarding anticipated funding and potential projects.
Bear said he hopes to continue addressing flooding in portions of the city, including areas within the central commercial district.
The Ward 3 seat held by Commissioner Ralph Cole opened May 21 when Cole said he will not seek reelection.
A longtime commissioner, former vice mayor and CRA chair, Cole has frequently contributed to discussions regarding redevelopment, infrastructure, storm recovery and transportation issues.
Candidates must reside within the ward they represent, but commissioners are elected at large, with all city voters casting ballots in each commission race.
Ward 2 generally encompasses the city’s mid-island area south of 26th Street North. Ward 3 includes portions of the central city south of Ward 2 to Cortez Road.
Commissioners earn $400 per month.
Bradenton Beach had 468 registered voters as of May 22, according to the elections office.