History of Seminole

Key Facts


  • Population (BEBR, 2023): 19,428
  • Area: 5.63 square miles
  • Elevation: 36 feet
  • Form of Municipal Government: Council/Manager
  • Budget (FY 2024): $31,053,400
  • Tax Rate (FY 2024): 2.4793 mills
  • Number of Employees: 159 FTE
  • Awards and Honors:
    • 1998 - 2021: Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Awarded by the Government Financial Officers Association
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    • 2007 - 2022: Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Awarded by the Government Financial Officers Association
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    • 2016: Environmental Stewardship Award. Awarded by the Florida League of Cities
  • Past Mayors:
    • 1970-1971- Russell Stewart
    • 1972-1975- Ralph Fawcett
    • 1976-1979- Eugene Neff
    • 1980-1982- Juanita Gesling
    • 1983-1984- Everett Allen
    • 1984-1994- Holland Mangum
    • 1995-2006- Dottie Reeder
    • 2007-2012- Jimmy Johnson
    • 2013-Present- Leslie Waters

Seminole Fire District:

  • Population approximately 100,000
  • Area approximately 25 square miles, including Cities of Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Shores, and Veterans Administration complex
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  • Past Fire Chiefs:
    • 1958-1964- Gerald A. Gow, Sr.
    • 1964-1966- Fred Brookshire
    • 1966-1970- Robert S. Genhold
    • 1970-1973- Donald Fashner
    • 1973-1983- Paul Hoffmann
    • 1983-1989- James McConnell
    • 1989-1995- John R. Leahy, Jr.
    • 1996-2000- Vicki L. Murphy
    • 2000-2010- Daniel H. Graves
    • 2010-2013- George Bessler
    • 2014-2023- Heather L. Burford
    • 2023-Present- William Schobel

"Greater Seminole" Area:

  • Population approximately 100,000
  • Area approximately 20 square miles