TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Voters in Tampa’s District 5 will head to the polls Tuesday to pick who they want as their next city council member. The seat has sat empty for about three months, vacated by the death of Gwendolyn Henderson.

There are bigger dreams for a small South Carolina-grown watermelon stand in East Tampa.

“We didn’t know it was going to do so well,” said the Gambles, who live in District 5.

The Gamble’s said the district has come a long way, but they have an ask of the candidates vying for the city council seat.

“Once you is elected, come and talk to the people,” the Gambles said.

“There’s such a big need for the residents, the businesses that are in this area, because all of the many changes that are happening,” said Daryl Hych, with the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce.

Hych has spoken to just about every candidate and hopes the winner takes their platforms to the city seat every day.

“District 5 needs attainable housing. District 5 needs businesses and corporations. District 5 needs to use their CRA money to get TIFF funding,” Hych said.

Voter turnout data from the county shows of the 45,000 eligible voters in the district, just over 3,500 have cast ballots in early voting.

Many people expect a runoff based on the 14 candidates.

The Gambles said they know who and what they are voting for on Tuesday.

“Hopefully, whoever going to be the new council member will make sure that all the small businesses as well down here is taken care of,” the Gambles said.