OPINION | The winners and losers of Manatee County politics in 2021

Some political players shined. Others, hopefully, have had better years.

Top: U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (left), Manatee Schools Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes, Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore and Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher. Bottom: Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, Manatee School Board candidate David Levin, Manatee County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy, Manatee School Board candidate Garin Hoover and Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse.

Manatee County politicians had their moments — some glorious, some embarrassing, some potentially criminal — in 2021. Like the rest of us, most probably want to forget about the whole thing and have long been looking forward to 2022 — especially those hoping voters in the coming election year give them another chance.

Here’s a look at the politicos, activists and government and school administrators who left their mark, for good or bad or to be determined, in 2021.