Terry Hotard withdraws from mayoral contest

The city clerk on Wednesday posted that the former mayor is no longer running against current Vice Mayor Sheila DeCiccio

Oct. 18, 2023

By Beth Kassab

Terry Hotard, the former mayor who said last week he would run for the job again, is no longer in the contest against Vice Mayor Sheila DeCiccio, according to the Winter Park City Clerk’s office.

The office added a “withdrew” notation under Hotard’s name on the city’s election page on Wednesday.

Hotard told the Voice that he was “completely humbled and overwhelmed” by messages supporting his candidacy, but ultimately concluded the timing wasn’t right.

“I came to a decision that I would rather spend my time and efforts elsewhere,” he said. “I wish whoever is elected as our next mayor the very best.”

He opened a campaign account and said he intended to run a week earlier. 

One of his chief concerns, he said, is the placement of large utility boxes near property owned by Marc and Sharon Hagle, who are building what is to be the largest home in Winter Park on Palmer Avenue. Hotard, also a former city utility executive, said the boxes are eyesores and should be hidden on private property rather than public right of way.

DeCiccio announced her bid for the post earlier this month and is focused on maintaining Winter Park’s charm and shoring up the city’s aging infrastructure.

She had to resign from her commission seat in order to run triggering an election in March for someone to serve the remainder of her term.

The official qualifying period for both contests is in December.

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