Janelle Irwin Taylor
Orlando Gudes pulled out a 51 to 49 victory over Jeffrey Rhodes in the Tampa City Council race for District 5.
The District includes downtown, Ybor City and parts of East Tampa.
Gudes is a retired Tampa Police officer and staunch proponent for youth development.
He founded the Unity Football Conference, a football and cheerleading league focused on athletic and scholastic achievement for underprivileged youth in 2005 and continues to serve as its executive director.
Gudes’ platform includes economic empowerment, affordable housing, jobs and youth development.
Gudes raised more than double his challenger, but despite a steady fundraising lead, he finished second in the March 5 race two points behind Rhodes.
Rhodes is a Tampa native who serves as Director and Co-owner of Ray Williams Funeral Home.
He is involved in several professional, civic, community and social organizations. Rhodes is also a long time board member of Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) where he is the political chair. He participated and helped organize Souls to the Polls, Voter Registration and several Political Forums along with the NAACP.
Rhodes’ platform includes equitable public transportation, economic development and neighborhood preservation.
Gudes will replace Frank Reddick on the Council. He’ll be sworn in with four other new council members, a returning council member and two incumbents May 1.
