4,817 votes re-elect Temple Terrace Councilmember Alison Fernandez

Alison Fernandez won re-election to the Temple Terrace City Council with 4,817 votes, securing 28.50 percent of the total count.

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections unofficial results show Fernandez as the top finisher in a contest for three open seats. Karen Michalski placed second with 4,258 votes, or 25.20 percent, and Amber Treat finished third with 3,275 votes, representing 19.38 percent of the ballot.

The election filled vacancies left by outgoing Councilmembers Gil Schisler and James Chambers, who reached term limits. Five candidates competed for the three positions. Ryan Gessman received 2,602 votes, or 15.40 percent, while Eugene Papantoniou garnered 1,948 votes, or 11.53 percent.

Approximately 17,000 voters cast ballots in the election. Temple Terrace uses a council-manager system where the council sets policy and appoints a city manager to handle daily operations. The council consists of a mayor and four members who represent residents in reviewing city activities and establishing community policies.

Fernandez ran for another term alongside the four challengers. The results were reported by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections as unofficial figures from the recent vote.