Former Sarasota County commissioner announces for Florida House

Former Sarasota County commissioner Ray Pilon is currently president of Circus Sarasota.

He is now running to join the circus in Tallahassee.

Pilon, Republican, announced today that he will try to unseat state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, in Florida House District 69 in next year’s election. House District 69 consists of northern Sarasota County and the Whitfield area of Manatee County.

“I want to ensure that, during these tough economic times, residents of House District 69 receive the representation they deserve in Tallahassee,” Pilon said in a news release distributed by the Republican Party of Sarasota County.

Pilon served as an elected member of the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners from 1996-2000, and has been active in the community with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Pilon said jobs, economy, and education will rank among his top priorities. He currently serves as the director of community affairs for the Peace River Water Authority.

Pilon and Fitzgerald, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2006, are so far the only candidates to file for election, according to the Florida Division of Elections.