Van Ostenbridge Reinstated As Manatee Commission Chair After 2 Days

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Two days after Vanessa Baugh was chosen to serve as chair of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners — ousting then current chair, Kevin Van Ostenbridge — the board changed its mind again.

Commissioners voted 4-2 Thursday morning to reinstate Van Ostenbridge as commission chair during the board's Land Use meeting.

On Tuesday, the board voted 4-3 to put Baugh into the position.

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

At their most recent meeting, Commissioner Amanda Ballard said she had a change of heart.

“At the last meeting, I made a vote which I have since — upon further reflection — come to believe was not in the best interest of the county,” she said, according to a county news release. “Today, I would like to make a motion to appoint Kevin Van Ostenbridge as the chair of the county commission.”

Her motion was seconded by George Kruse and supported by Ballard, Kruse, Van Ostenbridge and Commissioner Mike Rahn.

Commissioners James Satcher and Jason Bearden voted against his reinstatement, while Baugh was absent from the meeting.

Van Ostenbridge resumed the role of commission chair immediately, taking over the scheduled Land Use meeting.