PIERSON, FLA. -- Two incumbents who are fern growers were returned to office here in Pierson, known as the "Fern Capital of the World," when no challengers emerged by the noon Friday deadline for qualifying.
As such, re-elected without opposition for another four years were seat 4 Councilman Samuel G.S. Bennett and seat 5 Councilman Herbert J. Bennett.
The other elected officials whose terms expire in two years are Mayor James F. Sowell, seat 1 Councilman James T. Peterson, Seat 2 Councilman Tom Larrivee and seat 3 Councilman Robert F. Greenlund.
While the Bennetts, who are not related, had no opponents this time around, they easily were returned to their elected posts four years ago when they had challengers. In the 2012 general elections, Samuel Bennett defeated Maribel Martinez, 330 (66.67%) to 165. And in the same election cycle, Herbert J. Bennett won over Lidia Miranda, 334 (67.89%) to 67.
While the Bennetts, who are not related, had no opponents this time around, they easily were returned to their elected posts four years ago when they had challengers. In the 2012 general elections, Samuel Bennett defeated Maribel Martinez, 330 (66.67%) to 165. And in the same election cycle, Herbert J. Bennett won over Lidia Miranda, 334 (67.89%) to 67.
The Pierson Town Council is comprised of five voting town council members and a mayor, who does not have a vote. There are no term limits.
Peterson is the longest-tenured current town official, first elected in 1982.
Larivee is the newest, appointed two years ago to replace Billy Carter, who died unexpectedly. Larivee was subsequently elected without opposition that August prior to the primary when qualifying ended and no one else opted to run against him.
James Sowell was first elected mayor in 2000.
