Florida City Commission Races Head to Runoffs

Florida City voters went to the polls on January 27 to select a new mayor and two city commissioners, but none of the candidates were able to secure a majority, leading to runoff elections.

The mayoral race featured five candidates: Israel J. Andrews, Alphonso D. Bryant, Sharon “Sheep” Smith-Butler, Charlotte Thompson, and Walter P. Thompson Sr. Charlotte Thompson led the field with 39% of ballots cast, followed by Sharon Smith-Butler with 26%.

Since neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote, Thompson and Smith-Butler will face each other in a runoff election to determine the next mayor of Florida City.

Two city commission seats were also on the ballot. For the first seat, voters chose among Richard Brown Jr., Ronda Ferguson Cobb, Heniy L. Dixon, Verlene Tenner, and Clifford Waterman Sr. Cobb and Brown Jr. received the highest vote totals and will advance to a runoff to claim the seat.

The second commission seat featured three candidates: James Brady, Takevess C. Hatcher, and Trina Wilborn. Wilborn and Brady received the top vote counts and will compete in a runoff to determine the winner.

Florida City elections are traditionally closely watched because of the city’s growth and ongoing development initiatives, including infrastructure improvements, affordable housing projects, and economic development programs. Voter engagement in the city has steadily increased in recent years, reflecting residents’ desire to have a stronger voice in shaping policies that affect daily life, local business, and community services.

To help readers better understand their choices, the South Dade News Leader plans to attempt interviews with each candidate in the coming weeks. These interviews will provide residents with an introduction to their potential political leaders, highlighting their priorities, vision for the city, and plans for addressing local challenges.

The upcoming runoffs will give Florida City residents a final opportunity to weigh in on leadership decisions that will impact the city for years to come.

Election officials have not yet announced the exact dates for the runoff elections, but voters are encouraged to stay informed, review candidate platforms, and participate in the decisive votes.