Commission appoints Brandy Renton to Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority

The Gainesville City Commission on Jan. 6 appointed Brandy Renton to the Gainesville and Alachua County Regional Airport Authority, the commission recorded during a special meeting.

The appointment fills one opening on the airport authority. Two applicants spoke to the commission: Maria Giddings and Brandy Renton. Giddings said she had served on local boards including the Gainesville City Beautification Board and emphasized bringing a different viewpoint to public service. Renton described experience in business operations and work at the University of Florida and said she and her family are frequent flyers through the Gainesville airport.

Commission staff reported the result after commissioners cast ballots. The city clerk announced, “Mister mayor, 7 votes for Brandy Renton.” No mover, seconder, or individual vote names were recorded on the meeting transcript.

The applicants addressed commissioners before the vote. Maria Giddings said she applied to serve rather than to build a resume, noting community board experience. Brandy Renton said she moved to Gainesville in late 2021, highlighted past business-operations experience and familiarity with the region, and said she hoped to help the airport “continue to evolve with our region’s needs.”

The commission did not state the length of Renton’s term, a start date, or whether the appointment requires subsequent confirmation; those details were not specified in the meeting record.

The clerk’s tally indicates Renton received seven votes. The transcript does not list which commissioners voted or whether any commissioners were absent or recused.

Commissioners thanked both applicants for applying and encouraged applicants to pursue other volunteer opportunities in the future.