>>Election Results
Yesterday was primary election day in Highlands County and around the state, and the results are in. In a tight race, Board of Adjustment Chair Frank Youngman beat incumbent Arlene Tuck for the County Commission District Four seat. Youngman received just over 50% of the vote, compared to Tuck’s 49%. No other candidates ran for this seat, so Youngman will officially be sworn in in November. Tuck had held her post since November of 2018.
There were three school board races up for grabs, and two of those will be decided during the general election. James Johnston will face Kari Gurganus Pritchett for the School Board District 1 seat, with Pritchett earning just over 40% of the vote, while Johnston earned 31%. Shantel Parris was also on the ballot, but did not qualify to move forward.
Hilary Hathaway overcame Reese Martin for the School Board District 4 seat, with Hathaway getting about 52% of the vote compared to Martin’s 48%. Finally, Andy Tuck and Gary Brown will face each other for the district five seat.
Several state races were decided as well. Republican candidate Byron Donalds will face democratic candidate David Jolly to decide Florida’s next Governor. As far as the state’s cabinet is concerned, Blaise Ingoglia won the Republican nomination for Florida’s CFO, and Annett Taddeo won the democratic nomination. Wilton Simpson won the Republican nod for the Commissioner of Agriculture, while Joey Mendoza Atkins won the democratic nomination. The general election is set for November 3.
>>>SFSC Alumnus donates to program
The South Florida State College Foundation has received a donation from All American Pool Services to help students in the Adult Education and English Speakers of Other Languages programs. The funds can help cover tuition, books, supplies, testing fees and other costs that could prevent students from completing their programs. The Sebring company is owned by SFSC alumnus John McDaniel, who says he wanted to give back to his alma mater.