Carol Whitmore for Holmes Beach City Commission
- Experience
- Commitment
- Consensus
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Welcome to my Campaign for Holmes Beach City Commission
I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Holmes Beach City Commissioner, a role I first embraced in 1991. With deep roots in our beloved city, I am committed to bridging the gap between Holmes Beach and the broader county to foster a strong, more united community.
As a resident of Holmes Beach for five decades, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs our city has faced. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to mend the relationship between our city and the county, ensuring that Holmes Beach is actively engaged and thriving within the larger community framework.
About Me
A Lifelong Resident and Dedicated Public Servant
My journey in Holmes Beach began when I moved here at the age of 15. During a difficult period in my life, I experienced homelessness. The residents of the islands took me in and built me into the woman and leader I am today. It is profoundly important to give back to this community that supported and nurtured me.
Over the past five decades, I have been deeply involved in the community and have had the privilege of serving in various political roles, including City Commissioner and Mayor. These experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and connections necessary to advocate effectively for our city.
I am eager to engage with residents, hear your concerns, and share my vision for Holmes Beach. Together, we can build a future that honors our past and embraces the opportunities ahead.
Thank you for your support and trust. I look forward to serving you once again as Holmes Beach City Commissioner.
Accomplishments and Initiatives
Accomplishments and Initiatives
Accomplishments and Initiatives
Accomplishments and Initiatives
During my tenure, I have been proud to contribute to several key initiatives that have made a lasting impact on our community:
- Pioneering Community Projects: I opened the first skate park in the county and launched the trolley service in 2003, enhancing recreational and transportation options for our residents.
- Securing State Funding: I successfully obtained state funding for the Key Royale Bridge, marking the first time a city project received State support on a city owned bridge.
- Environmental Stewardship: I led the dredging of every canal in Holmes Beach for the first time in four decades, demonstrating my commitment to maintaining and improving our local environment. Voted, as a City Commissioner, for the preservation 2000 grant to purchase Grassy Point Preserve. As Mayor, I was responsible for staff to implement the management plan that we are enjoying the benefits to this day.
- Advocacy for Local Control: I was instrumental in fighting for rental restrictions before the state overturned local rental control in 2011, My actions in local politics showcased my dedication in preserving the character and autonomy of our community.
- Managing the Tourist Season: Worked alongside other municipalities to ensure a shared responsibility to maintain our community's integrity throughout the tourist season.
Key Priorities
Accomplishments and Initiatives
Accomplishments and Initiatives
My Vision for Holmes Beach
As I seek to conclude my political career, I am motivated by a desire to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my life. My campaign is grounded in a deep appreciation for Holmes Beach and a commitment to its future prosperity.
Key Priorities:
- Strengthening County Relations: Foster a collaborative relationship with county officials to ensure Holmes Beach is well-represented and integrated within the county’s plans and initiatives.
- Addressing Parking Issues: Although I do not support the plan that has been presented for the Beach Parking Garage, it is vital to come together to work towards a mutual solution.
- Enhancing Community Amenities: Continue to improve and expand local amenities, building on past successes and securing necessary funding for future projects.
- Environmental Sustainability: Maintain a focus on environmental stewardship, ensuring our beautiful surroundings are preserved and enhanced for future generations.
About Carol
Personal
Building a Brighter Future
Service to Her Community
On her own from the age of 15, Carol supported herself by working nights at a nursing home while earning her diploma from Manatee High School in 1973. She then enrolled at Manatee Technical College, where she received her certification as an LPN in 1977. Carol earned her RN degree in 1982 and still has an active license.
She worked at Ma
On her own from the age of 15, Carol supported herself by working nights at a nursing home while earning her diploma from Manatee High School in 1973. She then enrolled at Manatee Technical College, where she received her certification as an LPN in 1977. Carol earned her RN degree in 1982 and still has an active license.
She worked at Manatee Memorial in their Critical Care Department. The administration recognized her relationships with patients, physicians, and the staff with her appointment as the newly created Director of Physician Relations. Eventually, she became Director of Risk Management, a position she held until 1991 until Carol joined Manatee Springs, a head injury rehabilitation facility, as Admissions Coordinator. She worked as an office manager for three plastic surgeons and at Florida Home Health as an RN patient care manager until 2018. After leaving the Manatee County Commission in 2022, Carol was employed by Help2Home to fundraise with a goal of 2.2 million. She hit that goal.
Now is the time for Carol to get back to where it all started and help get her city on track with better relations in Manatee County and the State.
Service to Her Community
Building a Brighter Future
Service to Her Community
Having grown up on Anna Maria Island, Carol started her local government service in 1991 when she was elected to the Holmes Beach City Commission. She later served as Mayor of the City of Holmes Beach from 1998 – 2006. She was elected to the Manatee Board of County Commissioners in 2006 and re-elected in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Carol has
Having grown up on Anna Maria Island, Carol started her local government service in 1991 when she was elected to the Holmes Beach City Commission. She later served as Mayor of the City of Holmes Beach from 1998 – 2006. She was elected to the Manatee Board of County Commissioners in 2006 and re-elected in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Carol has chaired several committees, such as Port Manatee, Manatee County Civic Center Authority, and the Tourist Development Council as Chair, Chair of the Transportation Disadvantaged Board, Board member of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Management Board, Environmental Lands Management Board.
Appointed by Governor Scott, Carol sat on the Board of the State Medical Examiners Commission, was selected by former Senate President Bill Galvano to serve as the chair of the State Efficiency Task Force, Board Chair of West Coast Inland Management State Board. Currently running for Holmes Beach City Commission.
Since leaving office, Carol serves on Manatee Memorial Foundation, SCF Foundation, Continuum of Care Leadership Council, Kiwanis, Manatee Chamber member and Manatee Memorial Womens Action Committee.
Building a Brighter Future
Building a Brighter Future
Building a Brighter Future
Despite difficult times, I continue to work to ensure Manatee County's future is sound and sustainable. Now in the private sector, I seek fiscal efficiencies that serve the entire organization. My balanced approach never minimizes crucial items like program development and fundraising goals. Through leadership and advocacy, I have been a
Despite difficult times, I continue to work to ensure Manatee County's future is sound and sustainable. Now in the private sector, I seek fiscal efficiencies that serve the entire organization. My balanced approach never minimizes crucial items like program development and fundraising goals. Through leadership and advocacy, I have been a voice for those at risk by serving on the Elder Abuse Committee and Animal Abuse Committee and Homelessness. Former Senate President Galvano appointed me in Sept. 2019 to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs Advisory Council.
My service experience has taught me that building consensus, not seeking division, is critical to remedying the issues and challenges ahead.
I will do the same on the Holmes Beach Commission.
Current projects
Turning Points
I volunteered with my husband performing surgery at Turning Points for years. Since his passing, I have committed two days a week to Turning Points, continuing to give back to the community.
In the press
Grand Opening of the C.V. Walton Pickleball Courts
Grand Opening of the C.V. Walton Pickleball Courts
Grand Opening of the C.V. Walton Pickleball Courts
Making improvements in Manatee County every day, like the new C.V. Walton Pickleball Court at G.T. Bray Park
Lunch With Congressman Buchanan
Grand Opening of the C.V. Walton Pickleball Courts
Grand Opening of the C.V. Walton Pickleball Courts
“Carol, we came in together and we pledged together so to speak in terms of public service. I want to give her a special round of applause. She’s always been for me from day one, and anytime something comes up she’ll always say, “oh I put down a little note for you”, and that’s gone on for 16 years. So, I've got to give her special recognition.”
-Congressman Vern Buchanan, Manatee Tiger Bay Club,
April 21, 2022
Early Learning Coalition Fundraiser
Cultivating Relationships for Manatee County
Cultivating Relationships for Manatee County
ENDORSED by former Senate President Bill Galvano in 2022 election. My daughter Janae & I at the Early Learning Coalition fundraiser roasting Sheriff Rick Wells. Great fun!
Cultivating Relationships for Manatee County
Cultivating Relationships for Manatee County
Cultivating Relationships for Manatee County
Through my years in public service, I have been able to cultivate important working relationships to benefit Manatee County.