Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts has passed away. TBT confirmed with multiple sources that Felts was found dead in her yard on Tuesday. No further details are available at this time.
Felts was a dedicated community activist who first ran for the BOCC in 2022, coming in third behind Jason Bearden and Carol Whitmore in the Republican primary for the District 6 At-Large seat. Felts earned an impressive 13% of the vote, despite running a grassroots campaign in a countywide race against two well-funded opponents.
In 2024, Felts was again considered a long-shot candidate when she embarked on a grassroots campaign against a much better-funded Steve Metallo in the District 1 Republican primary. Despite an enormous fundraising disadvantage, Felts won by just under 10 points. In the general election, Felts performed even more impressively, securing 64% of the vote in a three-way race with Democrat Glenn Pearson and NPA Jennifer Hamey.
As both an activist and a commissioner, Felts was known for her fierce dedication to protecting rural communities and preserving the way of life that she and her constituents so enjoyed. Felts fought to slow development to ensure that infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and emergency services, could keep pace.
Felts, 68, also advocated for an “iron-clad” Land Development Code to limit rezoning and protect agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands. She opposed unfettered development, particularly in eastern Manatee County, and criticized efforts to weaken the Future Development Area Boundary (FDAB). An avid horse enthusiast, she was also a champion of animal welfare.
Gov. Ron DeSantis can appoint an interim commissioner to serve as the district's representative. Because more than 28 months remained on Felts' term at the time of her passing, her seat must be opened for the 2026 election.
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marcfalcolaw
Condolences to her family. She always fought the good fight. Don’t have a lot of confidence in the governor’s appointee, unfortunately.
Tuesday, February 24 Report this
mcems1986
Terrible loss for the residents of D1. She was a excellent supporof Parrish, Myakka and listen to her constituents. She further with her connection to first responders totally understood and SUPPORTED Manatee County EMS. Prayers to family and friends.
Tuesday, February 24 Report this
GLEN GADFLY GIBELLINA
My dear friend,
I’ve been sitting here trying to find the right words, but the truth is, my heart is just heavy. We lost someone truly special recently—our friend and County Commissioner, Carol Felts.
Carol wasn’t just a leader; she was a fierce advocate for the people and a soul who truly cared about the dirt and the heart of this county. We spent so many hours talking, dreaming up ways to make our community better and looking for the kind of solutions that actually change lives. Those conversations are ones I’ll carry with me forever.
It’s so hard to wrap my head around her being gone. She used to talk about retiring in two years when her term was up, finally heading down to her beloved Key West where her family roots began. She was looking forward to that sunshine and that peace. But, as we know all too well, God sometimes has other plans for the ones we love, even when it feels like they were taken far too soon.
She may be gone from our daily sight, but she will never be forgotten. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of the work we continue to do.
Sending you so much love as we navigate this loss together.
For the Record
GADFLY
Tuesday, February 24 Report this
Dianna
It is truly a sad day in Manatee County.
Tuesday, February 24 Report this
Debann
A true advocate for district 1 and the constituents who voted her in...WHAT AN ABSOLUTE LOSS FOR MANATEE COUNTY....I have no faith in DeSantis appointing a person that is not developer friendly...Rest in peace Carol....you will be missed tremendously
Tuesday, February 24 Report this
docksidejd
What a huge loss for Manatee County, not just District 1. She was a true advocate for responsible development and truly cared for the well being of Manatee County and its residents.
Wednesday, February 25 Report this
mcmplm
Carol was a constant presence at Commission meetings challenging the developer commissioners - even being kicked out of one of the meetings by KVO. Less than 12 months later, she was sitting on the dais as a commissioner.
She was a brave and thoughtful person, and I hope the legacy of her influence extends into Manatee county's future.
Mike Meehan
Wednesday, February 25 Report this
sandy
DeSantis can fill the position in the interim. But the seat will be added to the next election of 2026. See article in Bradenton Herald. https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article314835924.html
Wednesday, February 25 Report this