Temple Terrace Council: Fernandez holds seat as Michalski, Treat claim new posts
Unofficial results show nearly 17,000 votes cast in a race to fill three open council seats, with two first-time winners defeating incumbent challengers.
By Harper Laurent ·
Three open seats on the Temple Terrace City Council triggered a crowded race that concluded with a mixed outcome for incumbents and newcomers. Alison Fernandez retained her position, while Karen Michalski and Amber Treat secured the remaining two spots.
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections unofficial results show Fernandez leading the field with 4,817 votes, or 28.50% of the total. Michalski placed second with 4,258 votes, a 25.20% share. Treat finished third with 3,275 votes, representing 19.38% of the count.
The ballot included five candidates competing for the three positions. Two council members, Gil Schisler and James Chambers, departed due to term limits. Fernandez faced four challengers in the primary contest.
Ryan Gessman finished fourth with 2,602 votes, accounting for 15.40% of the total. Eugene Papantoniou received the fewest votes with 1,948, or 11.53%. Approximately 17,000 ballots were cast in the election.
Temple Terrace uses a council-manager government structure. The council acts as the policy-making body, consisting of a mayor and four members. Unlike strong-mayor systems such as Tampa, the council appoints a city manager to handle daily operations and department oversight.
