Sarasota County Election Results 2019: Winners And Losers

VENICE, FL — Sarasota County voters in the city of Venice went to the polls Tuesday to fill several key posts, including the mayor's job.

The current mayor, John Holic, was ineligible to run for another term.

Vying to replace Holic were Frankie Abbruzzino, Council Member Bob Daniels and Ronald Feinsod.

"If I win, I believe this will be the first time a graduate of Venice High has become mayor," Abbruzzino said on social media ahead of the vote. "I believe I would be the second veteran to win. Also, I believe I would be the first, first generation immigrant."

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Feinsod had 3,593 votes. Daniels received 3,508 votes and Abbruzzino had 1,872 votes.

Since the Venice city charter does not require runoff elections, it appears that Feinsod will be the next mayor based on unofficial vote tallies.

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Feinsod purchased a failing store and turned it into one of the most successful camera stores in New Jersey, according to his bio.

"I believe that the decisions that affect the local residents and businesses should be made based on the voice of the people, not special interests," Feinsod said in his campaign literature. "Our environment, sustainable responsible growth and fiscal responsibility and transparency will be my priorities."

Daniels claims that he led the effort to reduce the number of city of Venice take-home vehicles and developed a policy for their use. He also claims to have reduced the number of city vehicles that employees use for work that can be taken home from 60 to 3.

"The three are used for public safety," according to his campaign literature. "The city was purchasing, providing maintenance, fuel and insurance on these vehicles. There was no city policy. Now there is a city policy. The city has saved thousands of dollars and major city liability."

In addition to the mayor's race, which is designated as Council Seat 7, two candidates were also vying for Council Seat 6 — Joe Neunder and Tim Brady. That seat had been held by Daniels.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Neunder appeared to have bested Brady by a margin of 4,977 votes to 3,876, according to the unofficial results.

In the race for Council Seat 5, Nick Pachota appeared to beat Debbie Sanacore by a margin of 4,513 votes to 4,386. That seat had been held by Jeanette Gates.