Challengers beat out Punta Gorda City Council incumbents

In the Punta Gorda City Council race, three incumbents lost their seats to challengers.

District 1 incumbent Donna Peterman received 40.47% of the vote. Jeannine Polk, who challenged the seat, surpassed Peterman with 59.53%.

In District 2, incumbent Bill Dryburgh, who received 47.89% of the vote, was beaten out by challenger Gregory Julian, who won the seat with 52.11%.

District 4 was won by challenger Janis Denton with 53.85% of the vote, passing incumbent Lynne Matthews, who lost with 46.15%.

District 1

In District 1, Peterman hoped to maintain her position on the council, while Polk sought to claim her spot.

Polk’s platform called for transparency and accountability while prioritizing community needs and advocating for the community to receive the assistance it deserves.

Peterman’s platform included preserving Punta Gorda’s historic charm, upgrading infrastructure to meet community needs, increasing economic development, lowering tax rates and improving stormwater management.

District 2

In District 2, Dryburgh pledged to cut taxes for Punta Gorda residents, efficient development and growth for commercial properties and fiscal restraint on the city’s budget.

Julian, who challenged the seat, called for Punta Gorda’s fiscal responsibility, traffic safety improvements and responsible economic development.

District 4

Lastly, in District 4, incumbent Matthews promised to retain the “small-town” character and charm of the city, keep the city affordable, and improve traffic safety and redevelopment of the downtown area.

Denton sought to become the community’s mouthpiece for the city council and address Punta Gorda’s fiscal irresponsibility, which includes flooding issues, drainage, freshwater quality and supply, and neglected historic buildings while maintaining the “small-town” charm of the city.