SARASOTA COUNTY (SNN TV) May 26, 2023 - The late Nancy Detert was an acting Sarasota County Commissioner when she passed away last month, so now her commission seat is open.

According to the Herald Tribune, former Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is among those who have applied for the seat. Businessman Don Patterson is also vying for Detert's former seat. Sources tell the Herald Tribune that Neil Rainford is also being considered for the appointment. He is currently the secretary of the Republican Party of Sarasota County.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint someone to fill the remainder of her second term, which ends in November 2024. Whoever is appointed to the seat will have to run for election in 2024 if they want to continue serving District 3. Knight, the Sarasota County sheriff for 12 years, plans to run for the seat in 2024 whether or not he is appointed to it.

Detert, the former Sarasota County Commissioner representing District 3 from 2016 until her death, also served as a Sarasota County School Board member, a Florida Representative, and State Senator.