Corie Holmes Takes Another Shot at BOCC

Corie Holmes came up short in his bid to unseat Manatee County Commission chair Larry Bustle in 2012. This time around, the Palmetto-based investigator and noted community activist is seeking the Democratic nomination for the district 2 seat currently held by Commissioner Michael Gallen.

"My experience serving as a Deputy with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office gives me a unique insight on how tax dollars regarding public safety budgets are approved wisely to protect all Manatee County residents," says Holmes.

Holmes says that if elected, he will focus on keeping property taxes low, curbing frivolous government spending and creating incentives for businesses to relocate to Manatee County.

"I will work to bring jobs back to Manatee County," said Holmes. "My platform is based on three pillars: public safety and strong neighborhoods, the economy and our environment."

Holmes is a Manatee County native who lives and works in the Palmetto area. He says he has spent many years working to protect those in his neighborhood and provide them the opportunity to have an accountable local government.

After graduating from Manatee High, Holmes received a degree from the Law Enforcement Police Academy at Hillsborough Community College and spent 12 years with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office as a certified Deputy and also as a volunteer with dual certification that includes both Law Enforcement and Corrections.

Holmes then moved on to a career as a private investigator and in recent years has become a regular face at Manatee County Commission and Manatee School Board meetings where he is known to give passionate and sometimes pointed public comment on major issues.

Holmes will face Gallen and Palmetto City Commissioner Charles Smith in a three-way Democratic primary this August. There is no Republican on the ballot, but because a write-in candidate has registered, the race will be closed off to Democrats only.