Candidate: Priscilla Lee Whisenant Trace

Priscilla Whisenant Trace

Through the years, Priscilla Whisenant Trace had thought about running for public office.  Priscilla and her husband, Craig, were busy building their business, Ellenton Nursery, and raising their son, Blake. She knew it was something she wanted to do in the future but not sure about the right time.

 Priscilla realized the way of life in District 1 was rapidly changing.  The time had come for representation by someone who understood and respected the various and diverse communities that make up District 1.

When Priscilla ran in 2016 she was challenged by a well-known man who had held a statewide office. He was backed by individuals who raised thousands and thousands of dollars to defeat her. Priscilla ran her campaign the way she lives her life—with hard work and honesty.

Priscilla understood the depth and widespread concern of the residents of District 1. She didn’t “come to District 1 to run for office.” She was born and raised there, she married and started her family in District 1 which is one of the geographically largest of the five Commission Districts and the most rural. Priscilla knows every highway, backroad and intersection in her district.  She never needs directions, she gives them.

 Priscilla hears about the problems in her district as well as lives them first hand. After being elected in 2016, Priscilla got to work developing the relationships and partnerships needed to make changes in District 1.

The first and most important obligation of the Commissioner for District 1 is commitment to constituents. Priscilla doesn’t bring a special interest agenda to the job. Her chief concern has always been, and remains, improving standards of living for the people of District 1.  Regardless of the issues, Priscilla pledges to keep that public trust with constituents. 

Since taking office, Priscilla has been a leader.  In only her second year—2017—she was elected Chair of the County Commission.  In 2019 she chaired the Manatee Port Authority. She has done important work on the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Policy Board (2016); and the Peace River Water Authority Board (2018).

PRISCILLA WHISENANT TRACE graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture.  She built her family business right here in District 1. She is an active, involved member of her community. Priscilla won’t have to tell you what she will do.  She has already proven her dedication to District 1 .  Her volunteer credentials include:

 Past President of Palmetto Elementary SAC

Past President of Palmetto High SAC

Started FNGLA plant sale at Manatee County Fair

Past President of Manasota FNGLA 

Served on Past Extension Agents Boards

 Past President of the Manatee County Agricultural Museum

Past President of the Baptist Campus Ministry

Past Sunday School Teacher

Presently serving on Commercial Horticulture Agents Board

 2015 Agriculturalist of the Year

Member of the Palmetto Friends of the Library

Board Member of the Manatee County Agriculture Museum

Member of the Manatee County Fair

Have a question? Need more information? Just want to meet with your district commissioner?  Priscilla Whisenant Trace knows the important part of her job is her constituents.   Her contact information is below and she encourages you to reach out:

Priscilla Whisenant Trace   

Call or text : 941.737.4971
Email: PriscillaTrace@gmail.com
PO Box 230
Parrish, FL 34219