BRADENTON -- After months of debate and a naming contest some say was tainted, Manatee County commissioners have voted to name a new park proposed for Sarasota-Bradenton airport to carry the name of Florida's current governor, Ron DeSantis.
The final vote was 4-3, with Republicans Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore joining the commission's only Democrat, Reggie Bellamy, in voting no. Servia and Whitmore were defeated in their primaries last month by candidates who positioned them as RINOs (Republican in name only). The park is in Servia's district, and she set up a contest to name it. She now regrets that decision, saying it was "hijacked" by supporters of her primary opponent, Mike Rahn, who easily won their contest last month. Servia claims it was an attempt to embarrass her. She insists she is a strong supporter of DeSantis and has contributed to his campaign. "But I like a lot of people I wouldn't suggest we name a neighborhood park after," Servia said. She said the naming choice would invite graffiti and vandalism. That drew a rebuke from commissioner James Satcher, who said that's no reason not to put DeSantis' name on the park.
Servia says the vote-stuffing she alleges, ruined a "fun" contest to name a neighborhood park. Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge says it was fun, except for the losers.
Commissioner George Kruse said there's no point in postponing the vote again as the issues have been rehashed over and over.
Public comment at the meeting was almost entirely against naming the park for DeSantis. Spencer Fogel, who spoke in person, said "public parks aren't just (for) individuals who (like) Governor DeSantis. These are used by Democrats, independents, non-partisans." One caller representing a women's group said, "why can't we have nice things in Manatee County?" and added, "Stop dividing our county. Why do you want everybody to hate each other?"
Ron DeSantis Park is expected to open next year.
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