Neighborhood advocate enters race for Sarasota City Commission

Arlington Park neighborhood advocate Flo Entler has announced her candidacy for one of two at-large seats on the Sarasota City Commission, both of which are up for grabs in 2026. 

A frequent speaker before the commission, the Long Island, New York native moved to Sarasota 37 years ago after earning a bachelor's in speech and audiology from State University of New York. Her professional career spans bookkeeping, law office administration, advertising and human resources, according to a press release. She currently owns and operates a local fitness business.

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She is president of the Arlington Park Neighborhood Association and former second vice president of the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations.

“As a longtime neighborhood leader, I’ve stood up for what we share — our parks, our neighborhoods our sense of place,” Entler said in the news release. “I’m here to serve our city and protect the quality of life that makes Sarasota special for everyone. “I’ve lived in our beautiful city for 37 years and have proudly dedicated countless hours to working for my neighbors.” 

Entler enters a growing field of candidates for the two at-large seats currently held by Mayor Debbie Trice and Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, the latter whom has filed for re-election. Other candidates include former Florida State Senator and Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett and Rob Rominiecki, former head of security at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and husband of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki. 

According to the Sarasota County Elections Supervisor website, a fifth candidate, Sherman Baldwin, has withdrawn. Trice, who was served one term since elected in 2022, has not filed for re-election. The filing deadline is June 12.