Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed John Mitten, a longtime Hernando County businessman and former county commissioner, to fill the vacant District 2 seat on the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. Mitten is scheduled to be sworn into office on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, restoring the board to its full five-member composition.
The appointment ends a period of vacancy on the commission, returning Hernando County’s governing board to full strength. Mitten is a familiar figure in the county, having previously served as a county commissioner before his return to the private sector. His background in local business and government gives him direct experience with the issues facing Hernando County residents.
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners oversees a wide range of local services and policy decisions affecting communities including Brooksville, Spring Hill, and Weeki Wachee. A vacancy on the five-member board can limit the commission’s ability to act on key votes, making the appointment significant for ongoing county business. With Mitten’s swearing-in set for Aug. 4, 2026, the board will be positioned to resume a full slate of decisions without the complications a vacancy can create.
DeSantis has the authority under Florida law to fill mid-term vacancies on county commissions by appointment. The appointed commissioner serves until the next general election in which the seat appears on the ballot, at which point voters choose who will complete or continue the term. Residents interested in the District 2 seat or upcoming commission meetings can follow developments through the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners official website. Additional details on the appointment were reported by R News.
Originally reported by R News
Sources: R News
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