NORTH PORT — Lorenzo Whitehead has a master’s degree in aeronautical science and space studies. He is a pilot for North American Air and USA Jet airlines, flying soldiers to Japan, Germany and Iraq, and he’s running for North Port City Commission.

At age 35, the busy father of three school-age children is only the second black City Commission candidate in more than a decade. He recently filed paperwork for Seat 4 — currently held by Jim Blucher, who is serving his second term and cannot run again for four years.