Pinellas County Commission Chair Dave Eggers won his District 4 seat back Tuesday, Aug. 18, capturing nearly 80% of the vote against fellow Republican Anthony Ringelspaugh in a race open to all registered voters in the district.

Eggers, 69, has represented Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding communities on the commission since 2014. The former Dunedin mayor will now head into the Nov. 3 general election as the Republican nominee.

Ringelspaugh, 57, is a retired business owner who campaigned on hurricane recovery and development. He raised more than $18,000. Eggers outraised him roughly two-to-one, collecting more than $41,000 in donations, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The result gives Eggers continued control of the commission gavel during a consequential stretch for local taxpayers. The county is preparing its fiscal year 2027 budget while bracing for a November ballot measure, Amendment 3, that would dramatically expand Florida's homestead property tax exemption. State economists estimate the amendment could strip $5 billion in local tax revenue statewide in 2027 alone.

"Residents may expect a reduction in government," Eggers warned at the commission's July 22 budget workshop, according to St. Pete Catalyst, when commissioners set maximum millage rates for the coming fiscal year.

Closer to home, Eggers helped launch the Downtown Palm Harbor Street Light District, a project that switched on 95 decorative lights in July in partnership with Duke Energy and local business groups, Tampa Bay Beacons reported. The underground electrical infrastructure improves storm resilience along the business corridor.

Before joining the county commission, Eggers served two terms as a Dunedin city commissioner, then was elected Dunedin's mayor in 2009 and reelected in 2012. He has worked in real estate for nearly 40 years.

The win was decisive. But the bigger test comes soon.

Public hearings on the FY2027 budget are scheduled for Sept. 10 and Sept. 24, with the new fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Residents can attend those hearings to offer public comment on county spending and millage rates before commissioners vote on a final budget.