Titusville voters will head to the polls Aug. 18 to elect two city council members, with three races shaping up for the nonpartisan, at-large positions. The election comes as part of a staggered system where five council seats are filled over four years, with Seats 1, 3, and 5 up for grabs this cycle. The mayor, who also serves as a council member, is elected using the same process. Seat 3 will skip the Aug. 18 primary due to only two qualified candidates, moving directly to a Nov. 3 general election. Seats 1 and 5 will follow standard rules, with a runoff on Nov. 3 if no candidate secures more than 50% of the primary vote. Council members earn $12,022.40 annually, while the mayor’s seat pays $15,038 due to additional responsibilities.
Incumbent Herman A. Cole, 62, is seeking re-election for Seat 1. A retired military veteran with 26 years of service and 28 years of community work, Cole has served on boards for Parrish Medical Center and the YMCA. He said his career has been defined by service, stating, 'I have dedicated my life to service, 26 years serving my country and 28 years serving my community.' His campaign website is hermancole.com.
Darcia Bair, a 21-year Titusville resident and former Titusville MOPS/MomCo coordinator, is running for Seat 1. She co-founded a local mom-support group and emphasized her focus on integrity and community welfare. 'I feel called to serve this community in a greater way,' Bair said. Her campaign can be reached at [email protected].
Elizabeth Baker, an environmental advocate with Fight For Zero, is running for Seat 5. She has spoken publicly at council meetings about PFAS contamination in local water systems. Details about her campaign are not yet available on a dedicated website.
With three races in play and one seat skipping the primary, voters will have multiple opportunities to weigh in on Titusville’s future. The election results could shape the city’s direction for the next four years.