Downes wins East Lake Tarpon fire district Seat 2

Jim Downes, the incumbent, won the East Lake Tarpon Special Fire Control District Seat 2 race with 8,063 votes (56.3%) to challenger Bob Fornwalt's 6,268 votes (43.7%), according to unofficial results from the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. All eight reporting units had reported as of 10:44 p.m. Nov. 3. Downes led by 1,795 votes, a margin of 12.6 percentage points. The win gives Downes a second term on the board.

What was at stake

The East Lake Tarpon Special Fire Control District is an independent special district in northeast Pinellas County. It covers 33 square miles and serves a population of over 32,344 people, according to the district's website. A five-member Board of Commissioners oversees the district's fire suppression, emergency medical and hazardous-material response operations across three fire stations.

The district levies an ad valorem tax rate of 1.999 mills, according to district records. Commissioners guide the agency's budget, programs and staffing under Florida Statutes 189 and 191.

A little history

Downes has served as the Seat 2 commissioner since November 2022, according to the district's commissioners page. He also held the title of treasurer on the board. His campaign finance report showed $0 in monetary contributions and $0 in expenditures for the 2026 race, according to Pinellas County campaign finance records.

Fornwalt, listed as retired in his campaign filing, self-funded his challenge. The East Lake Firefighters Benevolent Association endorsed Fornwalt for the seat.

What's next

The results remain unofficial until the Pinellas County Canvassing Board completes the canvass. Downes will serve a four-year term on the board. Commissioners are elected by district voters at general elections, according to the district's charter.

Election results: East Lake Tarpon Special Fire Control District, Seat 2 (Nov. 3, 2026, general election)

Source: Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. Unofficial results as of Nov. 3, 2026, 10:44 p.m. EST. Reporting: 8 of 8 units.

Election results: Pinellas County East Tarpon Fire and Rescue District - Seat 2 (Florida General Election, 2026-11-03)

Source: Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. Results current as of Nov. 3, 2026, 10:44 p.m. EST. Reporting: 8 of 8. Unofficial results; every reporting unit has reported.