Know T e Key Dates And T e T ree Ways To Vote Ahead Of Florida’s Primary Election
This is going to be an exciting year for elections. Voting is a right, but with every right comes responsibilities. In order to vote, you must be informed.
There are important dates and times to keep in mind. The deadline to register/change your party afliation is Monday, October 7. Early voting will take place from Monday, October 21, to Sunday, November 3, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. You can vote in person or drop of your vote-by-mail ballot at any of the early voting locations during this time.
president, U.S. senator, U.S. Representative, state attorney, public defender, state senator, state representative, Supreme Court justice, district court of appeal and circuit judge, you can visit https://dos.fl.gov/elections/.
The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, October 24, at 5 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, and polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
If you need information on the candidates, you can find local candidates — including clerk of circuit court, sherif, prop-
erty appraiser, tax collector, supervisor of elections, county commission, school board, county court judge, soil and water conservation districts, community development districts and special taxing districts — by visiting www.votehillsborough.gov. For candidates for
In Florida, you have several ways to vote. Latimer said, “I encourage voters to plan their vote. You have three convenient options that include vote-by-mail, early voting and election day. So, there really is no excuse to miss an election. You will find information about where, when and how you can vote at www.votehillsborough.gov. Starting about a month before each election, you can also look up your sample ballot to see who you can vote for.”
VOTE-BY-MAIL
Vote-by-mail is the most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to select this method. However, the Florida State Legislature has changed some of the rules surrounding voteby-mail.
By Kathy L. Collins
make your request is to go online to www.votehillsborough.gov or call 813-744-5900. You will need to give us your Florida driver license or the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification.”
Using this method allows you to take your time making decisions about who to vote for. However, your vote-by-mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough County supervisor of elections by 7 p.m. on election day.
EARLY VOTING
Early voting is just like voting on election day. You must bring one or two forms of identification with your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable forms of ID include a Florida driver’s license issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, U.S. passport, military ID, student ID, public assistance ID and more. During early voting, you can go to a number of designated sites.
Latimer explained, “Because of new state law, vote-by-mail requests expire after every general election. As such, you will only get vote-by-mail ballots for the 2024 elections if you have submitted a new request. The quickest way to
ELECTION DAY VOTING
Polling places or precincts are noted on your voter registration card. They are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Election day is November 5. Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts.
Plan to Vote Early
Understanding e 2024 Ballot Amendments And Referendums Before Voting
This year, as voters head to the polls or send their ballots via U.S. Mail, they will be asked to approve or reject six Florida constitutional amendments. To be ap-
Amendment 3: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana
This would amend the state constitution to require school district board members to be elected in a partisan election instead of the nonpartisan elections we have now. In other words, this means that parties could nominate their own candidates for election and require that the candidate list their political a liation on the ballot.
Amendment 2: Right Fish and Hunt
This amendment simply seeks to “preserve forever fishing and hunting” as a public right. You should note that there are no current bans on fishing or hunting. The amendment is preemptive. In other words, it seeks to limit what lawmakers could do in the future to limit fishing and hunting. The amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee under Section 9 of Article IV of the state constitution.
This amendment would make it legal for adults 21 years and older to have up to three (3) ounces of marijuana and up to five (5) grams of cannabis concentrate. Voting ‘yes’ would allow adults to possess, purchase and use marijuana without the need of medical marijuana card.
Amendment 4: Amendment To Limit Government Interference with Abortion
A vote for ‘yes’ on Amendment 4 would protect a woman’s right to have an abortion before viability of the fetus (23-24 weeks) or when the patient’s health is at risk. The decision would then be between the patient and her health care provider and not the Florida Legislature. Today, there is a six-week ban on abortion with exceptions for medical necessity or risk of life. Voting ‘yes’ on this amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor can have an abortion.
Amendment 5: Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions
In Florida, homestead exemption gives homeowners two $25,000 exemptions for a total of $50,000 o the taxable value
of a home. This amendment would create an inflation adjustment for the second $25,000. It would not a ect the taxes that pay for schools. The measure would index assessments based on the percent change in the consumer price index. If the amendment fails, taxes will continue to rise as property values rise with inflation.
Amendment 6: Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement
Public campaign financing gives some candidates running for statewide positions, such as governor and other state cabinet positions, a subsidy through the use of public money, provided they stick to certain restrictions on how much is spent. Voting ‘yes’ on this would repeal the provision that provides public funding to certain candidates running for statewide positions.
There will also be two local referendums to consider.
No. 1 Hillsborough County Referendum: Renewal of Community Investment Half-cent Sales Tax rough December 31, 2041
This referendum asks voters whether to renew the half-percent sales tax or allow it to expire in late 2026. The Community Investment Tax funds cap-
By Kathy L. Collins
ital improvement projects and equipment in Hillsborough County and the cities of Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace.
This includes construction, renovation, replacement and expansion of existing facilities, as well as large equipment like police and fire vehicles. Hillsborough County schools would receive five (5) percent of the proceeds.
The Community Investment Tax, if renewed by an a rmative vote, would be renewed for 15 years, or until December 31, 2041.
No. 2 Hillsborough County Referendum: e School Board of Hillsborough County Milage Election for Public School Students
This referendum asks voters to approve a property tax of $1 for every $1,000 in taxable property value. The property tax increase would ensure competitive salaries to retain and recruit high-quality teachers and sta .
The tax would be in e ect for four (4) years from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029.
TRACK YOUR BALLOT
SUZY LOPEZ HILLSBOROUGH STATE ATTORNEY
Suzy Lopez, Hillsborough’s state attorney, is running for reelection. Lopez has been the state attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, since August 2022.
She is the first state attorney in over 20 years to litigate in a courtroom.
Lopez believes that building and maintaining a strong relationship with local law enforcement helps create a safer community.
“Our relationships with both our community partners and law enforcement is stronger than ever. That is something I am really proud of. Our relationships within our community are really the backbone of our agency. We couldn’t do any of this without our law enforcement partners,” Lopez said.
The state attorney’s ofce not only maintains a positive relationship with law enforcement, but also law enforcement stands with Lopez. Hillsborough County Sherif Chad Chronister endorses Lopez for reelection. In addition, she is endorsed by the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Tampa Police Benevolent Association and Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association.
A Tampa native, Lopez attended H.B. Plant
By Jane Owen
High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and her law degree from Suffolk University. She is an active member of her community, serving in many local organizations such as the Executive Council of Safe & Sound Hillsborough and The Junior League of Tampa. She is a member of Leadership Tampa class of 2020 and a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Lopez is passionate about getting justice for victims and their families and giving them a voice. Her career has been built on serving the people of Hillsborough County. After law school, she worked as an attorney at the Second District Court of Appeal.
“I am a career prosecutor. I have spent the better part of my career advocating for victims and advocating on behalf of the people of Hillsborough County in this courthouse. I am the only person in the race who has done so,” Lopez said. Lopez believes it is a prosecutor’s job to enforce the laws and hold people accountable when they cause harm to the community by committing a crime. She is dedicated to serving the community.
For more information, please visit www. votesuzylopez.com.
STANDS WITH SUZY
CRAIG LATIMER COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Elections are a complex challenge that require organization, experience, a strong and dependable team, a clear understanding of the law and an ability to plan for and adapt to the unexpected. I consider it a great honor, and a serious responsibility, to serve as the chief elections official in the community that has always been my home.
I started working in the elections office in 2009, after retiring as a major from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. My law enforcement background has served me well as supervisor of elections. I am methodical, thorough, community-focused, and I follow the law.
I’m extremely proud of my accomplishments while serving as your Supervisor of Elections. I’ve run 40 successful elections that have all been verified by postelection audits and certified by independent canvassing boards. I have served in leadership roles related to the conduct of safe and secure elections on
By Craig Latimer
a local, state and national level. And after earning the Governor’s Sterling Award, I met the state’s rigorous expectations by serving as a role model for other government offices.
This year, I earned national awards for excellence in training poll workers and communicating with voters. These are both important areas. Well-trained poll workers provide better customer service for those who vote in person. And effective communication with voters is critical in this age of misand disinformation.
I spend a lot of my time these days working to make sure our community has the facts about how our elections are run. And I’ll continue to do that. Many of my colleagues have been worn down by the challenging atmosphere we find ourselves in, but it has only strengthened my resolve. It is absolutely critical that we have the right people in these positions to ensure that our elections continue to be run with integrity. In Hillsborough County, I am that person, and I would appreciate your vote.
Conducted 40 successful elections, verified by post-election audits and certified by the State.
The first Supervisor of Elections to earn the Governor’s Sterling Award for performance excellence.
Retired as a Major after 35 years in law enforcement in Hillsborough County, and then joined the elections office in 2009.
My law enforcement background has served me well as Supervisor of Elections. I am methodical, thorough, communityfocused, and I follow the law.
KAREN BENDORF SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 7
Karen Bendorf, a Plant City resident and sixth grade teacher at Tomlin Middle School in Plant City, is running for a seat on the Hillsborough County School Board in District 7, a countywide seat.
By Kathy L. Collins
Bendorf is married to a community pastor and is mother to six boys who range in age from 23 to 10 years old. Bendorf received her bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University. She has been a teacher in Hillsborough County for 13 years.
“It is time to stand up and do better for our children,” said Bendorf, who wants to bring her experience as a teacher, her knowledge and her out-of-the-box thinking to the Hillsborough County School Board to help reform the county’s schools.
Bendorf articulated several issues that propelled her to run for the school board. First, Bendorf wants to reform the ways in which we teach our children to read.
“We are not teaching our students how to read. More than 50 percent of students are below the third grade proficiency level.” Bendorf added, “Every child should be able to read and all of them can learn to read. However, we have not been teaching them the basic skills.”
Second, according to Bendorf, there are discipline issues in schools that are not being addressed.
“The school board needs to set a high standard for student conduct in the classroom,” said Bendorf. “Teachers do not feel supported, and parents do not know what is happening in the classroom due to behavior issues,” she added.
Third, according to Bendorf, the Hillsborough County School Board needs to be more responsible with the budget and not request additional money through taxes or referendum.
Bendorf said, “There has not been an audit of the school budget. When you try to find information about cost of programs, you cannot find it. We need to know where the dollars are going and how it impacts students in the classroom.”
Bendorf said, “I am proud of the fact that I have raised boys to love the Lord, make good choices and go against the flow. I want to see a generation of children who can read and make our community what it can be.”
For more information, please visit www. electkarenbendorf.com.
Chris Boles, a battalion chief with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and an executive ofcer in Hillsborough County Fire Fighters, has showcased his leadership and community service with over 28 years of service.
Boles has saved lives, engaged in legislative afairs and brings a unique perspective from his extensive experience as a firefighter and public servant. Serving on charity and credit union boards along with his real-life experiences and dedication make him a distinguished candidate for the countywide Hillsborough County Commission District 6 seat.
Working as a firefighter, Boles has helped make a diference in the lives of tens of thousands of people across Hillsborough County. He has worked hard to serve everyone equally, no matter where they come from, reaching individuals from all walks of life.
He believes, as a large diverse community, we deserve a commissioner who understands the needs of the whole county, not just their own neighborhood. Boles has observed the transformation of pastures and groves into residential areas, the worsening of trafc issues and, most of all, public safety not receiving the attention desperately needed.
Boles said, “It’s more important now
than ever to stop wasteful spending and unnecessary costs in Hillsborough County’s budget. I am committed to focusing on the essential core functions of government: ensuring adequate public safety, enhancing our roadways, developing infrastructure to support sustainable growth and maintaining fiscal responsibility with taxpayer funds.”
“We need to bring critical thinking and common sense back to our government,” Boles continued.
“Many of our elected ofcials have gotten distracted by the white noise that accompanies politics and that must change. We need leaders that will put service before self, who are dedicated to their jobs and who are willing to give more of themselves than they ask for in return.”
Boles is the only candidate to be endorsed by every first responder organization in Hillsborough County, as well as the Tampa Police Benevolent Association and Sherif Chad Chronister. Boles is married to his beloved wife, Amber Boles, an experienced attorney in the Tampa Bay area. Together, they are proud parents to their daughter, whom they were blessed to adopt. Visit www.chrisboles.com for more information.
HOW TO GET A PROPERTY TAX BREAK FOR YOUR AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS
If you own agricultural land in Hillsborough County, you may be qualified for a significant tax break.
Bob Henriquez and his team at the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s (HCPA) Office are going to bat for farmers and agricultural landowners in the county by spreading the word about the Greenbelt laws that may o f er up to 90 percent tax relief.
“Since taking the o f ce of Hillsborough County Property Appraiser in 2013, Bob Henriquez has always made our agricultural properties a major priority,” explained Fred Montes, senior director of Greenbelt for the HCPA O f ce.
The Hillsborough County property appraiser doesn’t determine taxes or collect them. Their goal is to be accessible, accountable and transparent in assessing property values — and to ensure everyone gets the tax exemptions they deserve, as soon as possible.
So, what is ‘Greenbelt,’ and who qualifies?
Greenbelt classification means agricultural property owners are taxed on the income-earning potential of their land (use value), rather than at what a buyer would pay for the land (market value). This can save farmers huge amounts of money that they can then put back into their businesses, homes and local economy.
To qualify, your property must be primarily used for agriculture, and large enough to support commercial operation. Hobby and personal-use farms are not eligible; however, a wide range of
By Jane Owen
agricultural operations receive Greenbelt tax breaks, including pastureland, timberland, nurseries, sod production, croplands, citrus, strawberries and much more.
There is no minimum land size; however, property owners must manage their agricultural operations like any other business, said Montes. That means maintaining business records, reporting income and expenses and demonstrating an expectation of profitability.
“You must submit your Greenbelt application to the HCPA Office by March 1 of the year you are applying,” Montes explained. “Additionally, your commercial agricultural operation must have been active on the property by January 1 of that same year.”
The HCPA Office is also here to help you navigate the free application process.
Henriquez has ensured that applications are now available in Spanish as well as English, which he noted “has greatly benefited our taxpayers as we continue to become a more diverse community.”
Agribusiness is a huge driver for the economy, down to the smallest businesses, and as property appraiser, fifth-generation Floridian Henriquez has consistently advocated for the agricultural community.
For more information or to apply for your Greenbelt tax break online, visit https://hcpafl.org/. The office is also happy to take your call at 813-2726100.
LYNN GRAY SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 7
Lynn Gray is running for reelection to the Hillsborough County School Board for District 7, a countywide seat. She would like your vote on Tuesday, Nov 5 . Gray is one of seven members responsible for making policy decisions and overseeing a total budget of $4.2 billion for the seventh-largest school district in the nation and is the county’s largest employer with more than 24,000 employees.
Gray, a longtime teacher and instructional leader, was first elected in 2016. She has served as the school board chair and is currently a member of the Hillsborough County Children’s Board.
When asked why she is seeking reelection, Gray said, “I would like to continue my districtwide monthly committee meetings which address the needs of our communities, students, parents and staf members. My districtwide committees which had been formed since 2016 reflect the needs of the county. This includes a growing Hispanic population (Hispanic Forum), the need for increased Black studies and cultural identity (African American Task Force) and the need for student mental-social-emotional well-being (the Hillsborough Healthy Schools Committee). There is a major challenge of social media abuse among our students with human trafckers involved in their social media platforms. The Human Trafcking and Student Online Safety committees are made
By Kathy L. Collins
up of the FBI, Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce, City of Tampa Police, NoMore Foundation and other Florida agencies.”
Gray would also like to continue working on afordable housing for teachers with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and other developers in conjunction with unused schools and properties. Gray said, “Providing afordable housing is part of my concern and goal for the 2024-2025 school year.”
As to the issues, Gray explained that they include taking care of teachers and staf with pay that matches their dedicated service to children in the district.
Over her career as an educator, Gray has taught at every grade level, including college. “I am only serving for the well-being of the children,” she said. Gray was named Teacher of the Year two times in Hillsborough County and one time in Pasco County. Gray also understands what it takes to run a business. She previously owned a business called Take…The First Step. She was also president of a nonprofit children’s fitness advocacy club called Take…The First Step Club.
Gray is an avid runner as well, having completed over 100 marathons, including 12 Boston Marathons. She has been married for 45 years and has one son and two grandchildren who attend Bevis Elementary School. www.votelynngray.com.
MICHAEL OWEN
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 70
Michael Owen recently served as our District 4 Hillsborough County commissioner and is now running for Florida state representative of District 70.
During his tenure as county commissioner, he made transportation infrastructure his No. 1 priority, fought tax increases and worked to protect our children and help our local economy. He held town hall meetings across the district each month to ensure citizens had an opportunity to share their concerns and requests for assistance.
“Growing up in Hillsborough County, I understood the challenges we faced, and I just wanted to leave it better than I found it. I am proud of the work we did and the many citizens my o ce had the ability to help.”
After State Representative Mike Beltran announced he was not seeking reelection, Owen fi led to run for that seat, which is comprised of about 70 percent in Hillsborough County and 30 percent in Manatee County.
“I do not take running for o ce light-
By Kathy L. Collins
ly and consider it a great honor to be a leader in our community. If elected to the Florida House of Representatives, I plan to continue prioritizing transportation infrastructure, work to address the property insurance problems and will continue to fi ght for lower taxes and fees. I will always support our law enforcement and fi rst responders. I vow to be a problem solver and fi ght for us in Tallahassee.”
Owen is the only candidate in this race who has been endorsed by law enforcement and public safety, and he is honored to have the endorsements of Hillsborough Sheri Chad Chronister, Manatee Sheri Rick Wells as well as our local and state fi refi ghters.
Owen was raised in Hillsborough County, built his business here and created jobs. He attended Bloomingdale High School. And a fun fact: He played in the Little League World Series, representing South Brandon Little League. Vote Michael Owen for Florida state representative of District 70 on Tuesday, November 5.
LAUREL LEE
FL CONGRESSIONAL, DISTRICT 15
Laurel Lee was elected to serve Florida Congressional District 15 in November 2022 and is seeking reelection.
Her priorities have been centered around securing the border, rebuilding the economy, protecting national security and keeping communities safe. In addition to this, she has also prioritized constituent services.
“Part of serving is advocating and supporting policies that will improve the everyday lives of the people of Congressional District 15, reducing overspending in Washington, fi ghting infl ation, putting money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans,” said Lee. “But it’s also about helping those in our community who need assistance with a federal agency.”
As of August 2024, Lee’s o ce had opened nearly 2,500 cases since assuming o ce, and they’ve accumulated over 120 mobile o ce hours across the district, where members of Lee’s o ce have met with constituents who need help with a federal agency or have questions or comments on federal issues.
Because of their work, Lee’s o ce has been able to save constituents nearly
By Kathy L. Collins
$10 million.
“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish for the people of the district,” said Lee.
Throughout Lee’s career, as a prosecutor, a judge and now a congresswoman, she has focused on fi ghting human tra cking and child exploitation.
“As a former prosecutor and judge who investigated and prosecuted human tra cking cases, I know how devastating this crime can be to victims and their families,” said Lee. “This is a fi ght that I’ve continued in Congress, introducing the REPORT Act, which was signed into law; the National Human Tra cking Hotline Enhancement Act; and the Renewed Hope Act to protect our nation’s women and children and equip those on the front lines of this issue with the tools they need to deter and prosecute these heinous crimes.”
Lee resides in Tampa with her family. She was raised by a two-star general in the United States Air Force and a public school teacher and has family ties in Eastern Hillsborough County that go back more than 70 years.
To learn more, visit https://votelaurel. com/.
BOB HENRIQUEZ COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER
One of the ofces up for election this year is the Hillsborough County property appraiser.
Bob Henriquez is seeking reelection. Henriquez stands out as a candidate with a proven track record of fiscal responsibility, technological advancement and genuine concern for the county’s citizens.
Throughout his tenure, Henriquez has demonstrated a relentless drive to enhance the efciency of the Property Appraiser’s Ofce while minimizing the tax burden on residents. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, Henriquez has proposed a budget decrease of 1.09 percent from the previous year. Thanks to these and previous efciencies during his 12-year tenure as property appraiser, Henriquez’s ofce has returned nearly $3.2 million to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.
Henriquez is a fifth-generation resident of Hillsborough County and a former head football coach for his alma mater, Tampa Catholic High School. Henriquez graduated from Princeton University and played football there.
“As the son of a house painter who was the first in my family to attend college, I fully understand the financial pressures that our citizens are facing due to ongoing inflation,” said Henriquez.
“I have made it a priority to listen to our citizens’ concerns and find ways to alleviate
By Kathy L. Collins
the tax burden many are feeling as property values rise,” added Henriquez.
A recent financial report from the Florida Department of Revenue highlighted Henriquez’s ofce as operating with the lowest budget per capita among the state’s 67 county property appraiser ofces.
The primary duty of the Property Appraiser’s Ofce is to assess the full market value of the approximately 557,000 properties in Hillsborough County as of January 1 each year and issue property tax exemptions to all qualified owners. During his tenure, Henriquez has leveraged cutting-edge technologies to reduce his total number of employees from 133 when he first took ofce in 2013 to its current level of 108.
Of all the property tax exemptions Henriquez’s ofce is responsible for, the most important is homestead exemption. This exemption is vital because it statutorily caps the taxed value of a property from increasing more than 3 percent per year, ofering significant savings and stability for homeowners.
The property appraiser has no authority to raise or lower taxes. Henriquez strives to help citizens of the county understand the rate at which a property is taxed is set by elected ofcials at the city and county levels, as well as by other taxing authorities.
For more information, visit www.vote4coachbob.com.
