Reggie Bellamy, a Democrat and former Manatee County commissioner, is running for the Manatee County Commission District 6 at-large seat in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Tara Poulton.

Bellamy won the District 2 commission seat in 2018 after defeating incumbent commissioner Charles Smith in the Democratic primary, according to The Bradenton Times. He lost to Amanda Ballard in the 2022 general election after the district map was redrawn to favor Republican candidates, the Bradenton Times reported.

On his campaign website, Bellamy said he opposes hyperscale data centers in Manatee County and would push for standards requiring developers to bear the full cost of infrastructure and impacts they create.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Race: Manatee County Commission District 6 (At Large)
  • Residence: Parrish, Florida, according to his campaign materials
  • Hometown: Born and raised in Palmetto, Florida, according to his campaign filings
  • Education: High school diploma, Manatee High School; bachelor's degree in business administration and management, Bethune-Cookman University (1998)
  • Military service: Corporal, U.S. Army (1989–1993)
  • Ballot status: Certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady

Bellamy describes himself as a fourth-generation Manatee County resident, according to his campaign materials.

Experience and public service

Bellamy served as Manatee County commissioner for District 2 beginning in 2018, according to BallotReady. His other roles, according to his campaign filings and BallotReady, include executive director of the Palmetto Youth Center starting in 2015, dean at Buffalo Creek Middle School, academic advisor at State College of Florida, head coach of the boys' basketball team at Palmetto High School, and graduation coach and mentor.

He was recognized as Omega Citizen of the Year for Manatee County in 2013 by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, according to his campaign filings.

On the issues

Budget and taxes: Bellamy said on his campaign website that every dollar should have a purpose, every department should be accountable and residents should know where their money goes. He said he believes in cutting waste, improving efficiency and finding collaborative ways to deliver core services.

Growth and infrastructure: Bellamy said roads, sewer and stormwater systems must be addressed before development approvals are granted. He said growth without infrastructure strains families and businesses.

Data centers: Bellamy said he opposes hyperscale data centers in Manatee County and would fight for dedicated standards that protect water, the power grid, agricultural land and communities.

Economy and jobs: Bellamy said he supports diversifying the local economy and creating jobs through workforce development. He said economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Housing and veterans: Bellamy said he advocates for housing solutions for veterans and the county's workforce.