Several candidates are running on a "medical freedom" platform in hopes of joining other candidates who won seats on the board for one of Florida's largest public health systems in 2022, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board, the nine-member board overseeing the county's healthcare system, which includes the 897-bed Sarasota (Fla.) Memorial Hospital, as well as the Venice hospital campus and various other locations, comprises six members who must be residents of the northern, central or southern areas of the community, and three who hold at‐large seats. Hospital board members are elected by voters countywide to serve staggered four-year terms; four seats are up for election this year (three at large and one central), while five seats were up for election in 2022.
The 2022 election garnered attention when four conservative candidates ran for seats on the board on a "medical freedom" platform, and at least three expressed skepticism of COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Four new members — Victor Rohe, Bridgette Fiorucci, Patricia Maraia and Brad Baker — were elected in 2022, three of whom ran on the platform of "medical freedom." Board incumbent Gregory Carter won the fifth open seat.
After the election came a review of the hospital's COVID-19 performance, and Sarasota Memorial in early 2023 issued a public report, which concluded the hospital saw stronger outcomes among COVID-19 patients than other hospitals. The hospital continued to face political pressure regarding its COVID-19 policies and treatment protocols, despite the internal review findings.
This year, Alan Jerome Sprintz has filed to run as a Democrat for At-Large Seat 1 on the board, according to the county elections website. Republicans Sharon Wetzler DePeters, an incumbent, and Tamzin Rosenwasser, a "medical freedom" candidate, have also filed, the Herald-Tribune reported.
For the At-Large Seat 2, one Democrat and three Republicans have filed as candidates. This includes "medical freedom" candidate Kendra Becker-Musante, RN, and outspoken hospital critic Stephen Guffanti, MD, both Republicans, according to the Herald-Tribune. Republican Kevin Cooper and Democrat John Lutz have also filed for the seat.
Candidates for the At-Large Seat 3 include one Democrat and two Republicans. This includes Republican Mary Flynn O'Neill, a "medical freedom" candidate and sister of former President Donald Trump's first national security advisor Michael Flynn, according to the Herald-Tribune. Republican Pam Beitlich and Democrat George Davis have also filed for the seat.
Two Republicans have filed as candidates for the Central District Seat 1 — Republican incumbent Hospital Board Chair Sarah Lodge and "medical freedom" candidate Tanya Parus, according to the Herald-Tribune. Daniel Kuether, chair of the Sarasota County Democratic Party, told the newspaper he plans to recruit a candidate to run for this board seat.
The primary is Aug. 20 and the general election is Nov. 5.