Ray Turner tapped to replace Baugh as Manatee County District 5 commissioner

Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Raymond Turner to replace Vanessa Baugh as Manatee County District 5 commissioner.

The governor’s office announced Turner’s appointment on Wednesday evening. He is the owner and broker of the Turner Real Estate Network, serves on the county’s planning commission, and is secretary of the Manatee Sarasota Building Industry Association. Baugh is retiring from the seat mid-term on July 31 and will be replaced by Turner in August.

More: Vanessa Baugh bids farewell during her final Manatee County commission meeting

And: Vanessa Baugh's retirement completes Manatee County commission's changing of the guard

Manatee County Chairman Kevin Van Ostenbridge congratulated Turner on the appointment on Facebook on Wednesday night.

"We are excited to have him on board, and his appointment by Governor DeSantis speaks volumes about his expertise and achievements in mortgage banking and real estate," Van Ostenbridge said. "These valuable assets will undoubtedly benefit District 5 and the entire county.

"Ray's exemplary volunteer service as a planning commissioner has given him great insights into shaping our community's future, and I look forward to working with him going forward," he said.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Ray Turner tapped to replace Baugh as Manatee County commissioner