FELLSMERE — The Fellsmere City Council said goodbye to one of its own at the end of its regular council meeting Thursday evening and welcomed a new member to the dais. Councilman Daniel Naranjo, who served two terms on the Fellsmere City Council, stepped down after choosing not to seek a third term.
“What can I say in the end?” Naranjo asked. He congratulated Jessica Salgado and Councilmen Joel Tyson and Fernando Herrera for winning the election.
“I’m going out happy,” Naranjo said. “It’s been a pleasure to be here and serve the city and help the people… I tried my best.”
Replacing Naranjo on the council is political newcomer Salgado.
“It’s a pleasure to have you with us,” Mayor Susan Adams told Salgado as she took her seat at the dais. “I look forward to your perspective.”
Adams joked that she was said she would no longer be the youngest member of the Fellsmere City Council. At 21, Salgado is the youngest member now.
Before the new council was sworn in, Adams presented a plaque and the Key to the City to outgoing Councilman Naranjo.
Adams said the plaque was in appreciation for Naranjo’s dedication to the city over the last four years and his work on the Community Garden project.
“The things you’ve been able to do with the community garden …and get that off the ground is fantastic,” she said. “It’s brought so much to the city. I think it’s really helped create a community feel and bring different groups together. We get complimented on it continually and that is definitely due to your hard work.”
“And, because you know where all the dead bodies are in the city,” Adams joked, “we’re going to give you a key to the city.”
While the council’s makeup has changed, its leadership has not. Mayor Susan Adams, Vice Mayor Joel Tyson and Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Herrera were unanimously selected to continue their roles.
Councilwoman Sara Savage nominated Adams to continue on as the city’s mayor.
“I think she’s done a fine job and I don’t think anyone else is up to it,” Savage said of Adams.
No other names were suggested for Mayor.
“Thanks you guys,” Adams said of receiving their support. “It’s an honor.”
Herrera nominated Tyson for Vice Mayor, which went unchallenged. And Tyson nominated Herrera for Mayor Pro Tem.
“Might as well keep it like it is,” Savage quipped when the process was complete.