Seminole City Council Race: Candidates Weigh In on Tax Amendment

Three candidates are vying for two vacant seats on the Seminole City Council on Tuesday. Incumbents Ray Beliveau and Kadi Hendricks Tubbs face political newcomer Mike Lurie in a contest that centers on local infrastructure and the impact of Amendment 3.

Amendment 3, a state tax cap measure, has become the focal point of the campaign. All three candidates acknowledged that if the amendment passes, the city will face mandated spending cuts that could force reductions in essential services.

Ray Beliveau, who has lived in Seminole for 38 years, cited the city's aging stormwater system as the primary immediate challenge. He noted that funding through fees and grants requires a careful balance. Beliveau, a Navy veteran and former manufacturing engineer, stated that he envisions a review of reduced funding scenarios if Amendment 3 passes. He proposed exploring non-ad valorem taxes for services like fire rescue and waste collection to shift the tax burden from homeowners to all users.

Mike Lurie, a 47-year resident and IT entrepreneur, identified disaster preparedness as the top priority for the next three years. He argued that the state is chipping away at local rule, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores unique community needs. Lurie said the city already has a plan to reduce nonessential services to maintain policing and fire rescue. He suggested a referendum for non-essential services if a budget shortfall occurs.

Kadi Hendricks Tubbs, a resident since 1978, focused on balancing infrastructure needs with manageable costs. She listed maintaining public safety and completing the Bay Pines fire station as the most pressing issue. Tubbs, who serves as president of the nonprofit Operation: Military Matters, said she wants to preserve what makes Seminole special while making thoughtful investments. She emphasized the need to examine spending carefully and seek grants to cover rising costs.

Beliveau highlighted his record as the council's spokesperson for saving the PSTA bus route 58 and championing the Circle of Military Honor. He said he leads by example and is driven by cost, quality, and schedule. His platform includes replacing the aging recreation center with a modern, storm-safe complex.

Lurie pointed to his 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and his role as a director for the Rotary Club of Seminole. He said he led the club through the 2024 hurricane season, staging water and ice distribution to the barrier islands. He received a District Governor’s Citation for those efforts. He also secured a Rotary grant for 15 laptops for college-bound seniors.

Tubbs brought a business owner’s perspective to her role since her appointment in March. She said she uses her background in real estate and journalism to evaluate budgets and communicate decisions. She organized the centennial celebration of Seminole Elementary School in 2015 and has served on the Seminole Recreation Board for three years.

The race features two incumbents and one challenger. Beliveau and Tubbs are seeking reelection, while Lurie is running for his first term. The candidates will address voters on Tuesday in a bid to secure the two open council positions.

Voters will decide between the candidates who have outlined distinct approaches to managing the city’s budget and infrastructure in the face of state-level changes.