Leesburg commissioners elect mayor, confirm vice mayor and approve advisory-board appointments

The Leesburg City Commission elected its 2026 leadership and approved several advisory-board appointments at a brief meeting Monday, Jan. 5.

An unidentified commissioner nominated "commissioner Berry" for mayor; the nomination was seconded and, after brief procedural back-and-forth, members confirmed the leadership slate. Mike Peterson was nominated and seconded for vice mayor and welcomed to that post.

The commission then considered advisory-board assignments. A motion to keep the existing slate of committee positions and confirm reappointments to advisory boards — including the airport advisory board, the parks and recreation advisory board and the public art advisory board — was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

The commission next introduced a resolution appointing three residential members to the Leesburg Electric Advisory Board. The resolution was read by title as "Resolution of the city commission of the city of Leesburg, Florida appointing residential members to Leesburg Electric Advisory Board and providing an effective date." The three appointees named were Michael Rankin (unincorporated representative), John Jack Bridal (city representative) and Mark Schwartz (Fruitland Parkland representative). A motion to approve the three applicants was moved, seconded and carried on a roll-call vote.

Clerical roll calls recorded affirmative votes from Commissioners Peterson, Eastman, Connell, Burry and Mayor Burry on the Leesburg Electric Advisory Board appointments and earlier slate confirmations. The meeting closed after brief commissioner remarks and expressions of optimism for the year ahead.

"I nominate, commissioner Berry," an unidentified commissioner said during the mayoral nomination. The resolution naming the three Leesburg Electric Advisory Board appointees was introduced and approved by unanimous roll call.

The commission adjourned after the mayor offered brief remarks and thanks to colleagues.