It was a tough night for incumbents in Gulf Coast elections on Tuesday. 

In Venice, challenger Charles Newson defeated Councilwoman Deborah Anderson with nearly 56 percent of the vote in the Seat 2 race, but voters also declined bringing former Councilman Emilio Carlesimo back, instead electing Mitzi Fiedler in the Seat 1 race with more than 59 percent of the vote.

In Bradenton Beach, Mayor Bill Shearon was ousted by former Manatee County Commissioner and Vice Mayor John Chappie, who took about 60 percent of the vote. Voters also tossed Ward 3 Commissioner Ralph Cole Ward in favor of Randy White.

In Holmes Beach, Commissioner Marvin Grossman came in last in a field of five, losing his seat. The top vote-getter was newcomer Jim Kihm, followed by incumbents Pat Morton and Carol Soustek, with Rick Hurst nabbing the final seat up for grabs.

But in Anna Maria, voters stuck with Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland and Dale Woodland, who were all re-elected over giving a seat to challenger Laurie Jo Higgins.