Redistricting 2021

REDISTRICTING PROCESS OVERVIEW

Article VIII, Section 1(e), of the Florida Constitution requires that after each decennial census the Board of County Commissioners shall divide the county into commission districts of contiguous territory as nearly equal in population as practicable. Considerations include the demographics of the County, the geography of the neighborhoods, the existing precinct lines, and the best interests of the community.

Three (3) proposed scenarios have been developed that satisfy all legal requirements. These scenarios are identified as Map A, Map B, and Map C. These maps have been posted to the County’s website.

On November 1, 2021, the Board scheduled a final public hearing to take place on December 6, 2021 for the purpose of consideration and adoption of a new county commission district map.

At the final hearing the Board has the discretion to adopt one of the 3 map scenarios, make adjustments, or consider additional scenarios at its discretion. However, State law requires that the new county commission district boundaries be adopted prior to December 31, 2021.

Proposed Redistricting Maps

Redistricting Advisory Committee Overview

County Commissioners selected 10 residents and an alternate to begin work on the once a decade review of current political boundaries.

The process is required every 10 years by the Florida Constitution and the board adopted a resolution creating the committee on Sept. 20, 2021.

The Redistricting Advisory Committee will look at the latest census data per 2020 Census to adjust the five County Commission districts. The current districts will need to change based on population growth in the County.

The goal of redistricting is to readjust the population between commission districts into contiguous territory as nearly equal in population as practicable. Commissioners are elected by qualified voters in their districts and represent the residents within their respective districts.

Decennial redistricting occurs every 10 years and is based on the population data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent decennial census.

The Committee will work with the County Attorney and Community Development to review potential changes to the current districts.

Each County Commissioner appointed two residents to the advisory committee, which will host its first meeting on Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in room 2501 of the County Administration Building.

The Committee will complete its work over the next month, so that the County Commission can consider recommendations and hold a public hearing to consider adoption of a plan prior to Dec. 31, 2021. If adopted, new districts can be used for elections in 2022.

The Committee

District 1: George Chen, John Quinones

District 2: Noel Ortiz, Jolene Sheive

District 3: Carla Rivera-Marrero, Kari Ewalt

District 4: Dwayne Stewart, Carlos Velez

District 5: Bob Hansell, Wendi Jeannin

Alternate: Twis Lizasuain