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Bill Read has announced his intention to step down from the Lakeland City Commission, the city said in a news release Monday.
Read, the owner of a realty group, was first elected to the commission’s Northeast seat unopposed in 2015. He was re-elected in 2019.
Read was automatically re-elected re-elected to a third term in 2023 when no other candidates filed for the office.
His current term began in 2024 and would have run through 2027.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside each of you,” he said in a statement to his fellow commissioners, according to the city. “I am confident that each of you will continue to lead with the same dedication and passion that I have witnessed during my time in office.”
Read was said to be struggling with a health issue in March.
His resignation will take effect on December 31, 2025.
Consequently, five seats will be decided in this year’s city election, on Nov. 4:
- Mayor
- At-Large: Seat 1
- District B (Northeast)
- District C (Southwest)
- District D (Southeast)
Individuals interested in running for office must be registered voters and have resided within the Lakeland city limits — and within their respective district — since at least January 5, 2025.
For additional information, including district maps and candidate requirements, visit the City of Lakeland’s Elections webpage.
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