Lutz Guv'na Debate This Saturday

The Lutz Guv’na debate is this Saturday (May 18), and attendees can expect to hear lots of false promises from the candidates.

“Just like a regular campaign!” said Eleanor Cecil, one of the event’s facilitators.

For those not in the know, the Lutz Guv’na race is an annual, faux-political event that finds candidates running for the honorary title. The person who raises the most money —it all goes to Lutz-area nonprofits — wins the race and bragging rights.

The debate is the race's kick-off event. Candidates will hold a series of fundraisers between the debate and July 4, when the winner is announced.

Suzin Carr, a former Guv’na, and Karin D’Amico, the incumbent, are scheduled to attend on Saturday. Cecil said two other candidates likely will participate but have not been confirmed as of Tuesday. 

“We make it a real fun, real hokey thing,” Cecil said of the debate. “The one with the most outrageous answers usually wins.”

The Lutz Guv’na race has been a tradition in this small community for more than two decades, Cecil said. This year is arguably more special since 2013 also marks Lutz’s 100^th birthday.  

While the gubernatorial race is lighthearted and fun, there is a serious side, Cecil pointed out. One year, some $20,000 was raised by candidates, Cecil said, though the average is between $8,000 and $12,000.

“This is really giving back to the community,” she said. 

If You Go

When: Saturday, May 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. 
Where: Old Lutz Schoolhouse, 18819 U.S. Highway 41 N.  

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