Florida › Bay County › Panama City Beach Council, Ward 1
Biography
Carlos Sanchez served more than 23 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant, with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, per his campaign site. His career has also included federal government and municipal infrastructure and public works roles.
Top Priorities
- Safety first, including disaster preparedness
- Streamlining city services and utility infrastructure
Campaign Finance
$28,890 raised · county campaign-finance filings
Biography
Grant Wittstruck is a small business owner and nearly 15-year resident of Panama City Beach, per his candidate filing with the Bay County Supervisor of Elections and his campaign site. He has volunteered on the city's Planning Board, the Half-Cent Sales Tax Oversight Committee, Beach Care Services, the Grand Lagoon Coalition and the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Board.
Top Priorities
- Public safety, including support for law enforcement and emergency preparedness
- Long-term planning for water, sewer, stormwater and transportation infrastructure
- Protecting neighborhoods, beaches, fisheries and parks as the city grows
Campaign Finance
$54,297 raised · county campaign-finance filings
iAbout this race
This race was not on the August 18 primary ballot: Carlos Sanchez and Grant Wittstruck meet on the November 3 general ballot for this open seat, per the Bay County Supervisor of Elections' official candidate list. A third candidate, Scott Heilmann, did not qualify. Every voter in the city votes on this seat; the ward is a residency requirement for the officeholder.
Also on your ballot
Lake Powell Residential Golf Community Development District, Seat 2, Lake Powell Residential Golf Community Development District, Seat 5, Florida Senate District 2
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Questions about this race
Who is running for Panama City Beach Council, Ward 1 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Panama City Beach Council, Ward 1 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Carlos Sanchez and Grant Wittstruck. Candidate information follows official Bay County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Panama City Beach Council, Ward 1 election in Florida?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Florida are on the Florida election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Bay County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
iSources
The rest of your Bay County ballot
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