DeSantis appoints Greenwell to vacant District 5 seat
Almost exactly one month away from a three-way Republican primary to fill the vacant District 5 seat on the Lee County Board of County Commissioners left vacant by the death of Commissioner Frank Mann, Gov. Ron DeSantis cast his own vote.
DeSantis announced late Friday afternoon that appointed Mike Greenwell, a former Boston Red Sox hitter, owner of 31 Produce, The Cracker Shack and Big League Builders, to the seat.
Greenwell, of North Olga, is still set to face former District 5 Commissioner John Albion and chiropractor Dr. Joseph Gambino in the Aug. 23 Republican primary. Early voting in the race begins Aug. 13 and runs through Aug. 20.
“I’m very honored that the governor would appoint me. I’m excited,” Greenwell said. “I think I’m going to make a difference in the community. I’m going to be joining a good board of county commissioners and I am looking forward to joining the team.”
The announcement by DeSantis carried no statement, though it noted that Greenwell is the vice president of the North Olga community board and a former Red Sox player. Greenwell was a two-time All-Star with the Boston Red Sox and runner-up in the 1988 MVP race. He played on the Boston team that lost in the thrilling 1986 World Series in seven games to the New York Mets.
Greenwell has described himself as a pro-growth candidate who is looking to work with the developers Babcock Ranch, who are building approximately 2,000 homes near his home in North Olga.
Due to the length of time remaining on Mann’s term, a special election in November is required to take place. Due to the short time constraints to hold a primary if needed, there was only a couple days for candidates to qualify.
The Governor’s Office previously cited state statute through an executive order which gives DeSantis the authority to fill the seat through Nov. 15, when the winner of the special election will take office.
The special election coincides with the Tuesday, Nov. 8 General Election with the winner of the Republican primary facing Democrat Matthew Wood and a write-in candidate, Angela Chenaille.
All registered and eligible voters can vote in the at-large District 5 race in the General Election however only registered Republicans can vote in the closed primary.
District 5 encompasses eastern Lee County, including Lehigh Acres, Alva, North Olga, Buckingham and a portion of Fort Myers.
The deadline to register with a political party to take part in the primaries is Monday, July 25.
A message left with the governor’s office seeking comment on the decision to make the appointment was not immediately returned.
To reach NATHAN MAYBERG, please email nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com