**Election Day in Seminole: Experienced Mayor Faces Fresh Challenge**
Today is Election Day in Seminole, where longtime Mayor Leslie Waters is facing challenger Marcus Barber in a contest that contrasts decades of government experience with a first-time candidate’s message of community service and small-town pride.
**Mayor Leslie Waters: A Veteran Leader**
Waters has been a fixture in Seminole politics since 2009 and is seeking another term leading the city of roughly 19,000 residents in central Pinellas County. Before becoming Mayor in 2013, she served as a City Council member, Vice Mayor, and interim Mayor.
Her political career extends beyond the city limits. Waters spent eight years serving in the Florida House, where she rose to Speaker Pro Tempore and chaired key committees on transportation and insurance.
Locally, her résumé is extensive. She has been actively involved with the Florida League of Cities, the Pinellas County Mayors’ Council, and numerous civic causes. Waters volunteers regularly, supporting the Seminole Interfaith Food Pantry, Relay for Life, the Salvation Army’s annual “Ring with the Mayor” campaign, and the city’s Socks and Soup drive.
She is also engaged with organizations such as the Seminole Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce, and Friends of the Library. Additionally, she authored a book on local government titled *“Good Morning Mayor, What’s Up?”*
**Challenger Marcus Barber: Community-Focused Newcomer**
Marcus Barber, a Seminole native and U.S. Navy veteran, brings a fresh perspective to the race. His campaign centers on safety, small-business support, and civic kindness.
Barber served 20 years in the military as a helicopter crew chief and rescue swimmer. In 2018, he founded Revive In Time CPR in Seminole, an initiative teaching life-saving skills throughout Pinellas County.
Barber emphasizes emergency preparedness, business mentorship, and anti-bullying initiatives for youth. From 2021 to 2024, he worked as a Code Enforcement Officer for Seminole and currently serves on the boards of the Greater Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post 273.
He has received multiple community awards for heroism and business excellence, including the 2024 Good Samaritan Award from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for saving a life through CPR.
**Voter Turnout and Election Details**
As of Election Day morning, the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections had received 2,249 vote-by-mail ballots. These include 788 from Democrats, 995 from Republicans, 423 from no-party voters, and 43 from others.
Notably, there is no early voting for Seminole’s municipal election. This means that voter turnout on Tuesday will be crucial in deciding whether the city continues with its veteran Mayor or elects a new leader with a military background and strong local business ties.
Polls will close at 7 p.m. Stay tuned for the election results.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/763545-its-election-day-in-seminole-and-its-a-test-for-leslie-waters-long-record-of-public-service/