Local Government Commissioner Hayes Drops Out of Race after Traffic Incident

BRADENTON – After being cited for careless driving and failure to immediately report a traffic accident, Manatee County Commissioner Donna Hayes announced that she will be dropping out of the race for the District 5 commission seat... again.

Hayes filed to run for reelection in January of last year. She then announced in June that she had decided not to seek another term, though she waited until October to officially withdraw from the race. But by the end of that month, the seven-year BOCC veteran announced that supporters had convinced her to get back into the race. After yesterday's incident, she's again announced her withdrawal.

According to the FHP, Hayes was westbound on State Road 70 when she failed to slow down in heavy traffic and rear-ended another car with her 2009 Cadillac XLR. Neither driver was hurt and there was only very minor damage to either car. Hayes reportedly gave the driver her card and told her that she was late for an appointment and not feeling well, but would pay for any damages.

Hayes then went to a hair appointment. 911 was called, reportedly because she was visibly shaken and still not feeling well. She was taken to Blake Hospital as a precaution, where FHP troopers contacted the commissioner and cited her.