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St. Pete Beach commission appoints John Maldonado to District 4 seat after Mulholland resignation
Summary
After interviewing three applicants to replace Commissioner Drew Mulholland, the St. Pete Beach City Commission voted 3–1 to appoint John Maldonado to the District 4 seat; Mulholland’s resignation took effect immediately.
The St. Pete Beach City Commission voted 3–1 Tuesday to appoint John Maldonado to fill the District 4 vacancy after Commissioner Drew Mulholland resigned effective immediately.
Mulholland announced his resignation at the start of the June 24 meeting and agreed to make it effective after the commission completed interviews with the three applicants. The commission then interviewed John Maldonado, Bob Schiros and Mike Gregor, questioned each about priorities for District 4 and weighed public comment before voting. Mayor Petrillo cast the sole vote against Maldonado; Commissioners Robinson, Reznicki and Vice Mayor Marriott voted in favor.
Why it matters: The appointment fills a seat that represents two distinct shorefront neighborhoods — Pass-a-Grille and Vina del Mar — at a time when post-hurricane recovery, beach nourishment and infrastructure remain top concerns for residents. The interim appointment also affects the city’s ability to meet quorum needs for upcoming budget meetings.
Most important facts: Maldonado, introduced as the first applicant, told commissioners he has volunteered at city hall and cited infrastructure, storm preparedness and protecting the city’s historic character as top priorities for District 4. Mulholland said he would step down after the interviews to let the commission decide the appointment.
The commission amended the agenda early in the meeting to add public comment and the appointment vote after the interviews. After presentations and public testimony, including spoken endorsements for multiple applicants, the commission first considered but failed motions to appoint other candidates. A final motion to appoint Maldonado passed by roll call: Commissioner Robinson — yes; Commissioner Reznicki — yes; Vice Mayor Marriott — yes; Mayor Petrillo — no (motion carries 3–1). Maldonado was sworn prior to the close of the meeting and will take his seat at the next regular meeting.
What commissioners said: Mulholland said he would “step down at that point” after interviews were complete to allow the commission to proceed. Vice Mayor Marriott and others said they wanted the vacancy filled promptly so the commission would have a full membership for budget and other upcoming work.
Next steps and implementation: The city clerk will arrange the formal swearing-in and the commission directed staff to treat the seat as filled for scheduling quorum-critical items. Several commissioners said they want applicants who plan to run for the seat in the November election to use the coming months to learn the city’s comprehensive plan and land-development rules.
Public comment and community reaction: Members of the public spoke from the dais supporting different candidates; two residents specifically urged the commission to appoint Bob Schiros and Mike Gregor, while others encouraged appointing the candidate who was most connected to district residents. Several speakers emphasized neighborhood infrastructure and beach recovery needs.
Ending: Maldonado will serve as District 4’s interim commissioner until the seat is filled by election or until a subsequent action of the commission. The commission took the resignation and appointment to avoid scheduling an additional meeting and to preserve quorum for imminent budget work.
