The City of Zephyrhills has some new elected leaders, but they are familiar faces.
Former city manager Steve Spina and former CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Melonie Bahr Monson were sworn in at the Zephyrhills City Council’s April 24 meeting.
Spina was elected to Seat 2 on the council and Monson was elected as the city’s 21st mayor.
Spina, who retired from city manager in 2019, replaces incumbent Alan Knight, who had just completed his first term on city council. Monson replaces former mayor Gene Whitfield, who stepped down after three terms.
Spina received 60% of the votes over Knight, while Monson got 59% of the votes over fellow candidates Nick Deford and Martin Harm.
Also, Zephyrhills approved city charter amendments that affect these new candidates. Referendum 2 and 4 changed city council office and mayor terms, respectively, from three to four years, both passing with more than 60% of the votes.
Nearby, in the town of St. Leo, Commissioner Vincent D’Ambrosio was sworn in, representing Seat 2 on the commission. He also is the town’s mayor.
He ran unopposed in the April 11 municipal elections.
St. Leo Town Commissioner Curtis Dwyer kept Seat 4 on the commission, also running unopposed.
Both were sworn in during the April 24 St. Leo town meeting.
Also, in San Antonio, Mark Anderson, the town’s mayor, kept his position as commissioner, as he ran unopposed. Kevin Damic joins the town commission, also running unopposed and replacing Maximilian D’Water, who opted to step down after his term.
In other local government news, Dade City Commissioner Knute Nathe resigned from his Group 4 position to serve as a Pasco County Judge on April 13. The city is now accepting applications to fill the vacancy by May 13, however, a special election will be held within 60 days after the vacancy if the city fails to fill the vacancy.
Published May 03, 2023
