Milner may run in special election
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Starke City Commissioner Shannon Smith has announced he will be resigning his position in hopes of being elected to the Bradford County Commission.
While yet to file officially as of press time Tuesday, Smith shared a social media post on March 22 confirming his decision.
Smith posted: “As a lifelong Bradford County resident, business owner and your current Starke City Commissioner for District 3, our county needs a fresh conservative voice and a commonsense approach to local government. With these principles in mind and after much thought and prayer I officially announce my candidacy to become your next Bradford County District 1 Commissioner. I am humbled by the many who have pledged support and counsel in helping me arrive at this decision. I looked forward to visiting all the residents in District 1 in the upcoming months and discussing the import needs facing us, while earning your support.”
Smith also submitted a letter of resignation explaining his plans to Mayor Scott Roberts.
“Per Florida statute a candidate running for another elected position must resign their current elected position, with that being said I formally resign my Starke City Commissioner District 3 seat as of October 1, 2024. It has been a pleasure working with this board, past board members and staff for the last six years. I genuinely believe we have moved the city forward through tough and challenging situations and I leave the City of Starke heading in the right direction.”
Smith’s announcement sets up a possible race between him and his former fellow city commissioner, Carolyn Spooner. Spooner has said she would seek reelection as county commissioner in District 1, but she has not filed yet.
It also means Smith’s city commission seat will be open for a special election since his term does not end until fall of 2026. Former Sheriff Bob Milner said he has plans to run for the District 3 city commission seat.
Milner has served as a city commissioner before as well as city manager. His current roles include the Bradford Fair Association and Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation.
The date of the special election has not been set.
School board race in District 4
The county commission race is one of two races that have been recently set. The other is for the District 4 seat on the Bradford School Board. Dana Reddish Bell, a paraprofessional at Bradford Elementary School, has filed to run against incumbent Candace Osteen.
Osteen has served on the board since 2020, when she defeated incumbent Vivian Chappell.
With Cheryl Canova announcing this is her last year representing District 3 on the school board, someone has stepped forward to take her place. So far, Julie Johnson, an elementary school teacher for Florida Virtual School, has filed paperwork to run.
So far, she is unopposed, and that is true of most of the incumbents who have filed to run again, including county commissioners Chris Dougherty and Diane Andrews in Districts 3 and 5, Sheriff Gordon Smith, Clerk of Court Denny Thompson, Tax Collector Teresa Phillips, Property Appraiser Kenny Clark and Supervisor of Elections Amanda Seyfang.
Superintendent of Schools Will Hartley has announced he would run for reelection, but he has not filed yet. No one else has filed to run for the position.
Candidate packets are available in Seyfang’s office. You can call 904-966-6266 to make an appointment. The primary election is Aug. 20, and the general election is Nov. 5.
Marker unveiling for historic school
The Consolidated High School Committee of Lake Butler is inviting the community to attend the former Consolidated High School Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony at the Lake Butler Elementary School on Saturday, April 6, at 1 p.m. This was the former location of the school that was built for the Black students from first through 12th grade during 1957-1967.
This is a free event and open to the public. For more information, please contact Alicia Maxwell at 386-496-2336.
Work day at Dedan Cemetery
A work day is scheduled at Dedan Cemetery for Saturday, April 6, beginning at 8 a.m. General cleaning to include removal of all loose decorations and floral pieces not attached to monument or base. Spray washing of headstones. Removal of all trash and debris from cemetery grounds. Evaluation and restoration as within means to sites in need of attention.
Volunteer help is needed and would be appreciated. Please bring your own tools and supplies. There is no installed water supply for consumption. There will be water for cleaning.
Please contact Margaret Dyal at 352-258-0947 to volunteer or if you have questions.
Get help quitting
Quitting tobacco isn’t easy. Finding help should be. If you’re ready to quit, join the next Tools to Quit Tobacco group. Virtual options by computer and phone are also available.
This free, one-time two-hour group will give you tips on how to deal with triggers and withdrawal symptoms and how to prevent relapse.
Pre-registration is required. Call 866-341-2730 to reserve your spot.
