Commission Candidates Still Stumping Despite Midday Lull At Polls

The morning rush to vote might have given way to a midday lull, but that doesn't mean the people running for office in Safety Harbor can just take the afternoon off.

City commission candidates Ray Irvin, Bobby Saltzman and Richard Blake were all busy campaigning during the midday hours on Tuesday, enjoying the nicer weather and hoping for another big rush at the polls this evening.

"I've been all over the place today, Briar Creek, the library, Cypress Meadows Church, " Irvin said while standing in front of the Precinct 614 office at Espiritu Santo Church on Phillippe Parkway.

"I think it's going to be a close race because I think the turnout for the commission race is going to be lighter than I expected. But you never know with all the absentee and mail-in ballots."

Over at the Safety Harbor Public Library, candidates Saltzman and Blake were busy waving and talking to voters as they pulled into the parking lot. 

While Saltzman stood alone on one side of the lot, Blake, his pregnant wife, Katie, and their dog, Aspen, worked the other sidewalk. 

"I've been out since 6:30 this morning, and it was crazy with the rain and the line," Saltzman said. "It's slowed down a little bit now, but I'm sure it will pick up this evening."

"It was pretty chaotic with the rain and people going to the wrong polls," Blake echoed. "But the turnout's been good."

The three candidates said they plan to stay at the library until the polls close.

After that Saltzman will head to Cafe Orlando to await the results, while Irvin plans to have a watch party at the 8th Avenue Pub. Blake says he will huddle at home with friends and family to find out who won the race for Commission Seat 1.

"I'm very pleased so far," said Irvin, who later joined his opponents at the library. "Whoever wins doesn't mean the other guys haven't done a good job."