Manatee County Honors Legacy of Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts

Commissioners pay tribute to Felts' dedication to conservation and responsible development in Manatee County

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Manatee County Commission chambers were filled on Tuesday as the county honored the legacy of the late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts, who passed away unexpectedly last week at the age of 68. Felts, a proud 8th-generation Floridian, was known for her unwavering advocacy for preserving "Old Florida" and championing responsible development in her district. Her colleagues and family members shared emotional tributes, and the commission took steps to name a park preserve and form a new advisory board in her honor.

Why it matters

Commissioner Felts' passing marks the loss of a passionate and principled leader who fought to protect Manatee County's natural environment and rural character in the face of development pressures. Her legacy will continue to shape the county's approach to conservation and growth.

The details

Felts was elected in 2024 to represent District One, the county's largest district encompassing areas like Myakka, Parrish, Ellenton, and northern Palmetto. She was remembered by colleagues as a "force of nature" who remained true to her principles of environmental protection and responsible development throughout her tenure. The commission announced plans to name a portion of Crane Park as the "Carol Ann Felts Preserve" and to form a new Rural Citizens and Lands Advisory Board, which Felts had long advocated for.

  • Felts passed away unexpectedly last week at the age of 68.
  • Felts was elected to the Manatee County Commission in 2024 to represent District One.
  • The commission meeting honoring Felts' legacy took place on Tuesday.

The players

Carol Ann Felts

A proud 8th-generation Floridian who served as a Manatee County Commissioner, known for her unwavering advocacy for preserving "Old Florida" and championing responsible development.

George Kruse

A Manatee County Commissioner who fondly remembered Felts as a "truly remarkable person" who was more than just a political figure.

Governor DeSantis

The governor of Florida who will temporarily fill Felts' vacant District One seat until voters decide on a long-term replacement.

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What they’re saying

“Carol was a truly remarkable person. In politics, you encounter all sorts, but Carol was unique. She wasn't just a political figure; she was someone you were lucky to know. She took on the role of county commissioner out of necessity, to give her district a voice that had been missing for six months. She came in with the force of a storm to champion District One.”

— George Kruse, Manatee County Commissioner (Newsfinale Journal)

“Our Mom was a force of nature – brilliant, determined, and resilient. Born into a family that has called Florida home for over 200 years and that now stretches through 10 generations, she was passionate about preserving our state's natural beauty for her granddaughters and for future generations. She instilled that love of nature in all of us and we were proud to see her turn her passion into purpose.”

— Felts' Family (Newsfinale Journal)

What’s next

Governor DeSantis will temporarily fill Felts' vacant District One seat until voters decide on a long-term replacement.

The takeaway

Commissioner Felts' legacy as a champion of conservation and responsible development in Manatee County will continue to shape the region's approach to growth and environmental protection, inspiring future leaders to follow in her footsteps.