Green Cove Springs voters choose new city council member

Centracchio wins Seat 1 over incumbent Gaw in local election

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:35am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty city council chamber, with a single chair in the foreground casting a long shadow across the floor, conveying a sense of transition and change.The changing of the guard on the Green Cove Springs City Council reflects a shift in local priorities from infrastructure to fiscal responsibility.Green Cove Springs Today

Voters in Green Cove Springs, Florida have elected Tom Centracchio to the city council's Seat 1, ousting incumbent Ed Gaw. The election results suggest residents were more focused on spending and budget issues than potential infrastructure concerns in the growing community.

Why it matters

The Green Cove Springs city council plays a key role in managing the city's budget, development, and infrastructure as the community continues to grow. The election of a new council member could signal a shift in priorities for the city's leadership.

The details

In the April 16th election, challenger Tom Centracchio defeated incumbent Ed Gaw for the Seat 1 position on the Green Cove Springs City Council. Centracchio's campaign focused heavily on fiscal responsibility and reining in city spending, while Gaw had emphasized the need to address the city's aging infrastructure.

  • The election took place on April 16, 2026.

The players

Tom Centracchio

The newly elected member of the Green Cove Springs City Council, having won the Seat 1 position.

Ed Gaw

The incumbent who lost the Seat 1 position on the Green Cove Springs City Council in the recent election.

Green Cove Springs City Council

The governing body of the city of Green Cove Springs, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Voters made it clear they want a council member who will be a careful steward of taxpayer dollars.”

— Tom Centracchio, Newly Elected City Council Member

“I'm disappointed that the voters didn't see the importance of addressing our aging roads and utilities.”

— Ed Gaw, Outgoing City Council Member

What’s next

The newly elected city council member, Tom Centracchio, will be sworn in at the next council meeting on May 1st.

The takeaway

The election results in Green Cove Springs suggest that fiscal concerns have taken priority over infrastructure needs for many local voters, potentially signaling a shift in the city's leadership and policy focus in the coming years.