LAKE PARK —
The City of Lake Park has two new council members following the special election Tuesday.
Candidate Shauneen Moss received the highest number of votes, with 98. David Whitfield received the second highest number, with 90. With two slots open and three candidates, the top two are automatically elected.
Also running was former Police Chief Bert Rutland, who was fired by Lake Park Mayor Ben Futch on his first night in office, along with the former city clerk and fire chief. Rutland received 79 votes in Tuesday’s election.
The council has been at a standstill for weeks following the resignations of two council members, Eric Schindler and Paul Mulkey
. The two resigned in protest of the removal of the three long-time city employees.
A total of 267 votes were cast in the special election, out of nearly 400 registered voters, which represents a 67 percent turnout.
Lowndes County Board of Elections Supervisor Deb Cox said Tuesday night that the election results are certified and there are no outstanding absentee or provisional ballots to count.
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