Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts dies at 68

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Ann Felts, 68, has died.

Felts was found outside her home Tuesday afternoon by her aide, Selena Cunningham, who went to Felts’ home in Myakka City for their afternoon work session. The last time Cunningham spoke to Felts was around 10 a.m. that morning. 

A cause of death has not been determined. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was on the scene investigating. 

Felts lived on 5 acres in Myakka City and owned horses. Cunningham said it looked like she was walking to her barn and had collapsed. 

Commissioner Bob McCann described Felts as a “special lady” and not a typical politician. 

“She had a closeness with her constituents,” he said in an interview. “She was in the trenches with them, and she spoke from the heart.” 

Felts first ran for a seat on the Manatee County commission in 2020 as a write-in candidate. She ran again in 2022 but wasn't elected until 2024. 

For years prior, she attended commission meetings as a resident. She fought against urban sprawl and stormwater fees. She wanted Manatee County’s wetland buffers preserved and the Future Development Area Boundary kept in place. 

Felts told the East County Observer in June 2024 that she wasn’t anti-development. She simply saw a better way forward.

“Myakka has an incredible opportunity to be part of growth without sacrificing the things that are important,” Felts said. “We’ve got to protect our water and food sources for the rest of the county.” 

In a statement released by Manatee County, Commission Chair Tal Siddique said Felts will be missed by staff and commission alike. 

“Commissioner Felts cared deeply about the people she served,” he said. “Her commitment to District 1 and to the future of our county was evident in her leadership and service.''

The Manatee County Commission will formally recognize Felts during its regular meeting on March 3, 2026. The Board will take time to honor her service and legacy.

Information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available, the county said.

This story was updated with the contents of a statement released by Manatee County.