BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Keystone Heights Mayor Nina Rodenroth and Seat 5 Council Member Brandon Ludwig were the only candidates who qualified for their respective offices and will therefore continue for additional three-year terms beginning in April.
Rodenroth first ran for the office in 2023. She was the only candidate who qualified. She is a retired executive for Abbott Laboratories, moved to the Lake Region in 2018 and served on the Heritage Commission for three years before qualifying for mayor.
Ludwig, a lifelong Keystone Heights resident and fifth-generation member of the community, was appointed to fill the seat left vacant by Elston “Speedy” Kussler, who resigned in November after moving outside the city limits.
The 25-year-old is a graduate of Keystone Heights Junior-Senior High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of North Florida. His professional background includes serving as press secretary for Congresswoman Kat Cammack, public information officer for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, director of community services for the City of Starke, and working with County Commissioner Alexandra Compere and other local officials. He currently serves as state chairman of the Young Republicans of Florida.
