Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. sworn in as Winter Haven mayor; Brian Yates named mayor pro tem
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Summary
At the Jan. 13 Winter Haven City Commission meeting, commissioners unanimously approved Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. as mayor for 2025 and elected Commissioner Brian Yates as mayor pro tem. Birdsong and Yates took oaths and received ceremonial plaques.
Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. was approved as mayor of the City of Winter Haven on Jan. 13, 2025, and was sworn into office during the commission's reorganization. Commissioners then elected Commissioner Brian Yates as mayor pro tem for 2025.
The reorganization followed the meeting's ceremonial items. The commission opened nominations for mayor; after one nomination for Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr., commissioners moved to close nominations and voted by voice vote to approve Birdsong. Birdsong then repeated the oath of office on the dais and received the mayoral badge and a plaque recognizing his service.
The swearing-in was followed by the election of mayor pro tem. Commissioner Brian Yates was nominated and, after a motion to close nominations, was approved by voice vote. Yates repeated the oath of office for mayor pro tem and received a plaque.
Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. thanked the commission and the community after being sworn in. Birdsong said, "I would just like to say to my commissioners, thank you for this extreme honor... I will do my best to uphold the values, the principles, and the spirit of being mayor of the City of Winter Haven." Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates said he appreciated the unanimous support and pledged to be available: "I appreciate the nomination and appreciate the fellow commissioners in making it unanimous... I'm here if you need me."
Procedural motions to open and close public hearings were used during the reorganization; the record shows no public opposition during the nominations and oath proceedings. The commission also presented commemorative plaques recognizing service as mayor and mayor pro tem.
The appointments are effective immediately for the 2025 calendar year. The commission proceeded to liaison assignments and other agenda items after the reorganization.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved the election of Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr. as mayor and Brian Yates as mayor pro tem by unanimous voice votes; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript.
Ending: The commission continued with regular business following the oaths, including plaque presentations and staff recognitions.
