Reggie Bellamy to Run for County Commission

PALMETTO – Reggie Bellamy officially declared his candidacy for Manatee County Commission, District 2, this week. He will take on incumbent Commissioner Charles Smith in a Democratic primary that has consistently decided the victor in heavily Democratic district.

The small district, which was gerrymandered in the early '90s to settle a lawsuit filed by the NAACP, encompass most of Palmetto, and some of East Bradenton and Ellenton.

"I’ve spent the majority of my life serving my community and see this run as an opportunity to do even more good for the place my family and I call home,“ said Bellamy in a release announcing his candidacy.

Born in Bradenton and residing in Palmetto, Bellamy, has spent over 20 years working with Manatee County youths. Currently, he is a Dean at Buffalo Creek Middle School in Palmetto, as well as the Executive Director of the Palmetto Youth Center. He also serves as the head coach of the Palmetto High School boy’s basketball team.

Bellamy says he is running on a platform focused on increased workforce training, jobs, and improving the quality life for those in the county.

"Quality workforce training is imperative for Manatee County,“ said Bellamy. "We need to let our students know that opportunities exist for those who do not go to a traditional college or university. They can have successful and lucrative jobs right here in Manatee County with the proper training.

Bellamy says that the opioid crisis is another critical issue he hopes to impact.

"As a former dropout prevention coordinator and Executive Director of the youth center, I’ve seen first hand the impact drugs can have on our community," said Bellamy. "We are facing a serious opioid crisis. It’s important that we continue to efficiently use our taxpayers’ dollars to provide the proper education and resources to address this issue. The safety of Manatee County residents, in all aspects, is important to maintain our quality of life.“

Prior to becoming a Dean at Buffalo Creek, Bellamy worked as a graduation coach and mentor facilitating graduation plans and encouraging students to stay in school. He also served as an academic advisor at the State College of Florida.

Bellamy, 46, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bethune Cookman University. He served in the United State Military from 1989 to 1993 when he received an honorable discharge as a Corporal. This is his first run for political office.

Smith was elected in 2014, beating incumbent Democrat Michael Gallen by only four votes in the closest race in Manatee County history. Previously, he served as a Palmetto City Commissioner. Last April, he announced he would seek a second term.