Baugh, Who Violated FL Ethics Law, To Lead Commission: Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Vanessa Baugh was chosen as the new Manatee County Board of County Commissioners chair Tuesday in a 4-3 vote.

Baugh, who represents District 5, previously served in the role in 2016 and 2021.

She replaces District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who was chair in 2022 and in 2023 through Tuesday.

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Baugh recently admitted to violating Florida ethics law after hosting an exclusive COVID-19 vaccine event in Lakewood Ranch February 2021. The pop-up event at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch was available only to those living in the county's wealthiest ZIP codes.

In a settlement with the Florida Commission on Ethics in January, she was required to admit guilt and pay an $8,000 fine.

At Tuesday's meeting, newly elected District 3 Commissioner Jason Bearden made the initial motion to change the board leadership, putting Baugh back in charge.

Commissioners Amanda Ballard and James Satcher also supported her appointment, according to a county news release. Commissioners George Kruse, Mike Rahn and Van Ostenbridge voted against the change in leadership.

“We need to come together," Baugh said. “We need to get on the same page and run the county like it needs to be run.”

She initially didn't support the change, but served as the deciding vote in ousting Van Ostenbridge.

He would often "run the show," coming back to the board with decisions, she said, according to The Bradenton Times.