SEMINOLE — The city council appointed its newest member during a Feb. 10 meeting, selecting Seminole native Kadi Hendricks Tubbs to fill the seat being vacated by council member Jim Quinn, whose retirement takes effect Feb. 24.
“It’s going to be very tough to replace Quinn,” Mayor Leslie Waters said. “He has had a distinguished period of time serving the city and council, and we’re happy for him. Our job is to replace him with someone as dedicated to the city as Mr. Quinn.”
Five residents applied to fill the seat, but only four were interviewed: Roger Edelman, Joe Haynes, Michael Lurie and Tubbs. Mark Ely, a former community development director and council member, withdrew his application before the meeting.
Each candidate delivered a speech, followed by council questions and public comments before written ballots were cast and read by the city clerk. The process required a four-vote majority of the remaining six members.
“I think we’ve got some winners here,” council member Al Shields said.
Vice Mayor Chris Burke agreed: “I wish all four of you could join us.”
On the first ballot, the council selected Tubbs by a 4-2 vote to serve the remainder of Quinn’s term, which ends in November. The seat will then be on the ballot, and Tubbs said she plans to run for a full three-year term.
In her presentation, Tubbs discussed her community involvement, transparent leadership and her commitment to safer neighborhoods, support for local businesses and recreation programs.
“Seminole is where my heart is,” Tubbs said. “I’m ready to serve, listen, collaborate and work tirelessly for the families, the businesses and every resident who calls Seminole home.”
She told the Beacon by phone that she was honored and excited to be chosen.
“Right now is a good time for me to dedicate time to the city, and I’m doing it for the future generation,” Tubbs said. “My top priority will be to work with the council, get to know them and the people of the community. My biggest project that I would like to see done is the recreation center.”
Tubbs is a longtime Seminole resident who has served on the Chamber of Commerce and the Seminole Recreation Board. She has been involved with athletic programs at Seminole High School alongside her husband, the school’s head softball coach, and her eldest daughter, the assistant coach.
She is president of Operation Military Matters, a local nonprofit founded by her youngest daughter that sends care packages to military personnel overseas. The organization has delivered more than 13,500 packages.
Tubbs worked as a journalist and anchor in the Tampa Bay area, including Fort Myers, and served as a liaison for the city mayor’s public and special projects. She is also a licensed real estate broker with HEIR Realty and co-manages Tubbs Investment Properties with her husband.
The runner-up, who received the other two votes, was Edelman, who previously served nine years as a council member and vice mayor. In 2023, he resigned over concerns about the state’s Form 6 financial disclosure requirement, writing a letter to the governor citing personal privacy and home rule concerns.
“It is our right to personal privacy, and I will fight against those who wish to take that away,” Edelman said. “I’m here seeking to return to city council. I enjoyed working with my fellow councilors doing city business.”
He said he would like to see major projects, including the recreation center and the Bay Pines fire station, completed.
“It takes time to learn what we have to do and how we have to do it,” Edelman said. “This has always been a cohesive group that works together, gets things done. It was my pleasure to do it for nine years.”
Longtime resident and pharmacist Joe Haynes had previously served on the city’s charter review committee and has run for council in past elections. He spoke about fiscal responsibility, responsiveness to residents and a willingness to learn from longtime council members.
“I’m not going to claim to know all the answers, but I will do my best to get it to you as soon as possible,” Haynes said. “I want to be here. My willingness to learn from those of you that have been here longer than I have, I’m going to draw on that expertise. Success comes from being responsive, listening and being open to what the residents have to say.”
Michael Lurie, a Seminole High School alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Florida State University, has served on the boards of the Rotary Club of Seminole, the Chamber of Commerce, Temple Beth-El in St. Petersburg and the West Ridge HOA.
He founded Oakhurst Technology and Computer Science, an IT company, before selling it in 2016. He now manages his family’s real estate business, Lurie Properties.
In his presentation, Lurie spoke about areas for improvement such as permitting and shared a vision for the city’s growth from a population and geographical standpoint.
“There are a lot of people in the unincorporated areas that are affected directly by the decisions made here, and they don’t have any representation,” Lurie said. “My desire to serve comes from the belief in the potential of our city. It is an opportunity to give back and to help ensure Seminole remains a place we are all proud to call home.”
All four candidates said they plan to run for the seat in November. Council member Ray Beliveau’s three-year term also expires at that time, and he plans to seek reelection.
Looking ahead
Quinn’s final meeting will include recognition of his service.
A brief orientation with the city attorney, city clerk and city manager will be held beforehand to review council responsibilities and legal requirements, including the Sunshine Law.
Tubbs will be sworn in March 10 by Judge Adam Tanenbaum, a longtime friend who served on student council with her at Seminole High School.