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The Manatee County Commission chambers were filled to the brim on Tuesday morning, as the meeting commenced in memory of the late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts. The gathering included an emotional mix of friends, family, and colleagues, all present to honor her legacy.
Commissioner Felts, a proud 8th-generation Floridian, passed away unexpectedly last week at the age of 68.
In 2024, Felts was elected to serve District One, the county’s largest, which encompasses areas such as Myakka, Parrish, Ellenton, and northern Palmetto.
Known for her dedication to preserving Old Florida, Felts was a staunch advocate for conservation and responsible development. Her colleagues fondly remembered her as an unwavering activist who remained true to her principles throughout her tenure.
“Carol was a truly remarkable person,” remarked Commissioner George Kruse. “In politics, you encounter all sorts, but Carol was unique. She wasn’t just a political figure; she was someone you were lucky to know. She took on the role of county commissioner out of necessity, to give her district a voice that had been missing for six months. She came in with the force of a storm to champion District One.”
Her family, including her two adult sons, sat in the front row as one person after another spoke about Felts as a person and the legacy she leaves behind.
The family shared the following statement.
“Our Mom was a force of nature – brilliant, determined, and resilient. Born into a family that has called Florida home for over 200 years and that now stretches through 10 generations, she was passionate about preserving our state’s natural beauty for her granddaughters and for future generations. She instilled that love of nature in all of us and we were proud to see her turn her passion into purpose. Her role and duties as County Commissioner gave mom a great sense of pride and fulfillment. For that opportunity, my family will be forever grateful to her constituents.
Just a few weeks ago my mom emailed an article about the Conservation Partnerships to preserve rural lands. She wrote “…of all the things I’ve tried to accomplish as a commissioner, this is one I’m very proud. I hope one day my grandkids can see it and know their Grandma saved that piece of Old Florida so they would know what used to be.”
It is our hope that her legacy will serve to inspire the next wave of activism that helps preserve our unique Florida ecosystems. The environmentally disastrous and downright idiotic ideas like golf courses on conservation land and cruise ports in the most pristine parts of Tampa Bay will keep coming. Now that my mom’s voice can no longer protect Old Florida, I hope you all can honor her by raising yours.”
During the meeting, commissioners also took the first steps toward forming a Rural Citizens and Lands Advisory Board, which is something Felts had advocated for for years. They also moved forward with naming a portion of Crane Park as the Carol Ann Felts Preserve in her honor.
“When Commissioner Felts passed, I wanted to make sure we honored her legacy in a really tangible way,” said Commissioner Ballard. “Under Carol’s leadership with ELMAC and the Board of County Commissioners, David J. Crane Park was recently expanded. Naming this expansion in her honor ensures that her legacy of conservation and service will live on for generations to come in Myakka City.”
Her District One seat will now be temporarily filled by Governor DeSantis. Voters will decide who holds the position long-term.