Manatee County Commissioner Carol Ann Felts Dies At 68

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee County Commissioner Carol Ann Felts has died, the county said in a news release. She was 68.

Felts, who was first elected to represent District 1 in November 2024, was found dead Tuesday in the yard of Myakka City home, the Bradenton Times reported.

She was found outside by her aide Selena Cunningham, who told the Observer that it looked like Felts collapsed as she was walking to her barn. The commissioner, who lived on 5 acres, owned horses.

No other details about her death have been released, though the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was at her home investigating, reports said.

“Commissioner Felts was a dedicated public servant and a steadfast advocate for the residents of District 1. Throughout her tenure, she worked diligently to represent her constituents, strengthen community partnerships, and advance initiatives that supported the well-being of Manatee County and its residents,” according to the county news release.

Commission Chair Tal Siddique said in a statement provided by the county, “Commissioner Felts cared deeply about the people she served. Her commitment to District 1 and to the future of our county was evident in her leadership and service. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues, county staff, and the community.”

The Manatee County Commission will formally recognize Felts during its March 3 regular meeting. During the meeting, the board will honor her service and legacy.

No information about memorial services has been released yet.

Other board members also mourned the loss of Felts.

On a personal social media page, District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard wrote, “My heart is heavy, and I’m in deep shock over the news that my colleague and friend Carol Ann Felts has died. She was funny, genuine, and most importantly, she was the advocate that her district needed. They loved her fiercely, and she loved them back. She was sweet and thoughtful, always asking about my kids and sharing tips about raising little boys, and balancing being a mom with working.”

Ballard also lauded Felts for her wardrobe, writing, “We would talk about fashion — she adored my high heels, but said she was out of her stiletto days, and loved animal print, and said that as a woman gets older, her closet starts to look like a safari. For Christmas, she got me a gift set from a Myakka City beef tallow based skincare brand (Feral Farmacy). Which is just SO Carol Ann. By the way, it’s excellent, and I use it daily. She was a true Florida Cracker, in the very best sense of the word. And I will miss her greatly.”

At-large commissioner, George Kruse, called Felts’ death “a tough one for all of us.”

In a social media post, he wrote, “I’ve known Carol since my first campaign back in 2020 when she was the ONLY private residence with my massive 8-foot signs in her front yard. We spent many hours talking over the years, holding town halls on her property, and working on issues that mattered to her.”

Felts was passionate about her role as commissioner, Kruse added, writing, “Carol ran to represent her constituents the right way. She was unrelenting in her beliefs but also humble enough to know what she didn’t know. I was incredibly proud of her work-ethic upon taking office. Just a few weeks ago, we were sitting to discuss Florida Association of Counties webinars and classes she could take. She wanted to learn, not for herself, but so that she could be the best representative she could be for District 1 after those residents went too long without proper representation and a district voice. They found that voice in 2024.”