Former Bradenton mayor Bill Evers picks up election qualifying papers

BRADENTON -- Former Bradenton Mayor Bill Evers, who held onto to the mayoral seat for two decades prior to current Mayor Wayne Poston ousting him in 1999, picked up qualifying papers for the November city elections late Friday.

Evers, 81, could not be reached for comment, and staff at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office could only confirm Evers picked up the package. He did not say it was for him or whether he intended to run for mayor or any other office.

After losing to Poston in 1999, Evers twice mounted challenges of Poston and lost both times.

The Bradenton mayoral race is already crowded. Besides Poston seeking a fifth term, former Bradenton Police Department Deputy Chief Warren Merriman and political newcomer Eleuterio Salazar Jr. are running.

Poston is outpacing his opponents in financial support, with $79,675 raised. Merriman has raised $2,565 while Salazar trails with $991.

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter@urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published May 13, 2016 at 6:26 PM with the headline "Former Bradenton mayor Bill Evers picks up election qualifying papers ."