Incumbents Win

By Abby Baker

Tuesday, March 9, Gulfport voters narrowly decided to retain their representatives on Gulfport City Council for Ward 2 and Ward 4.

The unofficial results were close, but with 100% of votes in before 7:30 p.m., incumbents Christine Brown, Ward 2, and Michael Fridovich, Ward 4, claimed victory.

Look for this article at thegabber. com to see how the numbers broke down.

Ward 2

Christine Brown headed the race with 52.38% of the vote, accounting for 1420 ballots.

“Our community showed that they believe in the goodness of Gulfport,” Brown told the Gabber on Tuesday night. “Many thanks to go around.”

Mike Bauer lost with 47.62% of the vote, or 1291 total ballots.

“I don’t think Gulfport is ready for me yet,” Bauer said following the results Tuesday night. “I’m all about forward thinking, and I don’t care who is on council, but there is so much that needs to be addressed in Gulfport and St. Petersburg.”

Ward 4

Michael Fridovich faced two challengers and retained his seat with a

less-than-majority victory: 43.38% of the vote, or 1299 ballots.

“I feel good. I appreciate all the support from the people of Gulfport,” Fridovich said. “I have no agenda. I’ve said that from day one. I just appreciate the community here.”

Challenger Ian O’Hara was a close second with 40.15% of the vote, or 1,078 total votes.

In his third attempt for a Gulfport Council seat, Richard Fried garnered 11.47% of the vote, or 308 ballots.

Neither Brown nor Fridovich held election night parties due to COVID-19 precautions.

“I didn’t feel comfortable having that many people together while we are still in the midst of the coronavirus,” Fridovich said.

Tuesday night’s results have not yet been certified. See more at votepinellas.com.

Chip Weiner

Michael Fridovich