TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Voters in Tampa’s District 5 City Council race can cast ballots on Tuesday.
There are 14 candidates vying for the seat left opened by the sudden passing of council member Gwendolyn Henderson back in June.
As per county statistics, there are 45,000 eligible voters in the district, with slightly over 3,500 having already participated in early voting. Should no candidate secure more than 50 percent of the votes, a runoff is scheduled for next month.
The district, known as District 5, encompasses downtown, Ybor City, east Tampa, Tampa Heights, and a portion of west Tampa. Many constituents believe this expansive area urgently requires solutions to particular funding challenges.
“District 5 needs attainable housing. District five needs businesses and corporations. District five needs to use their CRA money to get TIFF funding,” remarked Daryl Hych, an official from the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce.
Other voters feel filling Henderson’s place is a big task and want to see issues she was tackling for the district to continue being center stage.
“She was a commendable activist for the community, and filling her shoes will be a significant task for those looking to implement initiatives to advance east Tampa,” expressed resident Anthony Gilbert.
There are multiple polling locations which open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Click here for a list of voting locations. mail-in ballots must be in to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. Tuesday.
