GROVELAND, Fla. – Voters in Groveland will head to the polls Tuesday to decide who represents them on the city council, as the District 4 race continues to draw attention.
The race pits incumbent council member Judith Fike against challengers Jim O’Neill and Michael Jaycox. Fike, who was appointed to the seat last year, has faced backlash over social media posts that some residents described as racist and hateful. She was suspended from office earlier this year but reinstated by a judge.
[WATCH PREVIOUS COVERAGE BELOW: Groveland city council suspends councilwoman after ‘racism’ allegations]
Despite her return, community unrest has lingered. Fike finished third in the city’s most recent primary. Jaycox currently trails in second place, while O’Neill maintains solid support despite his recent arrest.
O’Neill, a longtime resident, is facing both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit after allegedly attacking a neighbor in August. Investigators say he followed the man, Michael Trentadue, after observing him speeding through the neighborhood, and later headbutted him. O’Neill’s attorney previously requested bond, citing his client’s clean record and ties to the community, though no new court date has been announced.
News 6 reached out to both O’Neill and Jaycox for comment ahead of Election Day but we did not receive responses. Both spoke with News 6 earlier this year about their visions for Groveland’s future.
[WATCH PREVIOUS COVERAGE BELOW]
In addition to the District 4 contest, Groveland voters will decide on two ballot measures that could reshape how their local government operates. The proposed amendments include setting term limits for council members and allowing residents to vote on officials’ compensation.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.