Feature Article and Photos by Larry H. Oskin, South Lake Tablet

On August 8, The South Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted a political pre-election event for the South Lake community to meet many of the candidates up for election and re-election. The event was presented by Walt Disney World Resorts at the Clermont Performing Arts Center.

David Colby

David Colby, CEO of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce noted, “We are really happy to help host over 500 citizen voters for today’s free Hob Nob event. This 2022 Lake County Hob Nob is a unique opportunity for the South Lake community to meet with the candidates of the 2022 election. We want the South Lake community to be able to make informed decisions on the current challenges and issues that will appear on the upcoming ballot.  Every candidate was able to discuss any and every topic presented to them.”

Lake County voters were able to cast their ballots in a preliminary straw poll hosted by the Lake County Supervisor of Elections after meeting with all of the participating candidates. 

Hob Nob attendees cast their straw vote.

Straw Poll Results (321 total votes counted)

 United States Senator: 

• Marco Rubio –79.30% 

• Ricardo De La Fuente –0.64% 

• Val Demings –14.65% 

• Brian Rush –0% 

• William Sanchez –0% 

• Dennis Misigoy–0.32% 

• Steven B. Grant –0.32% 

• Tuan TQ Nguyen –4.46% 

• Write-In –0.32% 

Representative in Congress, District 6: 

Clermont | Groveland | Mascotte | Minneola | Montverde | Four Corners 

• Charles E. Davis –25.81% 

• Michael Waltz –61.29% 

• Joseph “Joe” Hannoush–12.90% 

Representative in Congress, District 11: 

• Laura Loomer–41.80% 

• Gavriel E. Soriano–0% 

• Daniel Webster –47.91% 

• Shante Munns –9% 

• Kevin Porter –1.29% 

Governor and Lieutenant Governor: 

• Ron DeSantis –80.57% 

• Charlie Crist –7.96% 

• CadanceDaniel–0.64% 

• Nicole “Nikki” Fried –8.92% 

• Robert L. Willis –0.32% 

• Hector Roos–0.64% 

• Carmen Jackie Gimenez –0% 

• Jodi Gregory Jeloudov–0% 

• Write-in –0.96% 

Attorney General: 

• Ashley Moody –84.56% 

• Aramis Ayala–8.07% 

• Jim Lewis –4.21% 

• Daniel Uhlfelder–3.16% 

Chief Financial Officer: 

• JimmyPatronis–83.03% 

• Adam Hattersley –16.97% 

Commissioner of Agriculture: 

• James W. Shaw –34.19% 

• Wilton Simpson –48.53% 

• Naomi Esther Blemur–6.99% 

• J.R. Gaillot–1.84% 

• Ryan Morales –8.46% 

State Senator, District 13: 

• Dennis Baxley–76.40% 

• Stephanie L. Dukes–23.60% 

State Representative, District 25: 

Clermont | Groveland | Mascotte | Minneola | Montverde | Four Corners 

• Liz Cornell –9.12% 

• Matthew R. Silbernagel–29.97% 

• Tom Vail –23.78% 

• Taylor Yarkosky –19.54% 

• Banks Helfrich –17.59% 

State Representative., District 26: 

• Keith Truenow–80.60% 

• Linda Kero–19.40% 

County Commissioner, District 2: 

• Sean M. Parks–93.58% 

• Write In –6.42% 

North Lake County Hospital District Board of Trustees Northeast Territory, Seat 2: 

• Velma Dawon–38.97% 

• Barbara M. Price –61.03% 

School Board, District 2: 

• Tyler Brandeburg–36.36% 

• LudyLopez –42.29% 

• Jim Miller –21.34% 

School Board, District 5: 

• Marie HaubertAliberti–21.30% 

• Stephanie Ann Luke –56.52% 

• Peter E. Tarby–22.17% 

Clermont City Council, Seat 1: 

• Michael Gonzalez –56.35% 

• Tod Howard –43.65% 

Clermont City Council, Seat 3: 

• Tim Murry –59.73% 

• Danielle “Dani” Page –40.27% 

Clermont City Council, Seat 5: 

• Chandra L. Myers –30.10% 

• Michele Barnard Pines –69.90% 

Groveland City Council Member, District 1 (Mayor): 

• Mike Smith –54.39% 

• Evelyn A. Wilson –45.61% 

Groveland City Council Member, District 3: 

• Barbara Gaines –50.89% 

• Tim Loucks –49.11% 

Groveland City Council Member, District 5: 

• Dina Sweatt–45.40% 

• Randolph J. Waite Jr. –54.60% 

Soil and Water Conservation, District 1: 

• Matthew Griffin –42.08% 

• Carlos Lugo –57.92% 

School District Ad Valorem Tax: 

• Yes –63.35% 

• No –36.65% 

Get to know your candidates, read all the resources available, and VOTE.

Comments from the SOUTH LAKE TABLET:  Results of the straw poll were taken by the Lake County Supervisor of Elections and distributed by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.  The South Lake Tablet stands neutral and will not publicly endorse any candidates.  

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