There's new blood in leadership roles in two North Central Florida cities. All of the incumbents in Gainesville and Newberry were defeated in today's elections. As a result, there will be a slight tilt to the right on the Gainesville Commission. Voter turnout surprised poll workers in both cities.
According to Newberry City Clerk, Gayle Pons, Newberry had their biggest turnout ever, with over 800 voters making it out to the polls, beating their highest of 600 two years ago.
Gainesville's Runoff election had a 16.5 percent turnout. That's up 1.5 percent from the general elections last month. Susan Bottcher beat out Rob Zeller for the district three seat with close to 58 percent of the vote. Todd Chase beat out incumbent Lauren Poe with about 55 percent of the vote. Chase will become the only republican on the commission.
Newberry citizens voted Bill Conrad as their new Mayor, Robert Fillyaw for Group Four Commissioner, and Jordan Marlowe for Group Five Commissioner.
The canvassing board will meet on Friday morning to review provisional ballots, but supervisor of elections, Pam Carpenter, says she doesn't expect any changes.