Tim Cadell sworn in as vice mayor; two new Pinellas Park police officers also sworn

The Pinellas Park City Council selected Tim Cadell as vice mayor and administered the oath of office on July 10. The council also held a ceremonial swearing-in for two new police officers at the start of the meeting.

Why it matters: The vice mayor is a council member designated to act in the mayor's absence; the nomination and unanimous council vote places Cadell in that role. Swearing-in of police officers adds two commissioned officers to the Pinellas Park Police Department roster.

Vice mayor selection: Council member Sebelle nominated Tim Cadell for vice mayor; the nomination received a second and passed by unanimous voice vote. The council conducted the oath at the dais. The oath recited references to the U.S. Constitution, the Florida Constitution and "the code of ordinances of the City of Pinellas Park." After being sworn, Cadell assumed the vice mayor position.

Police officer swearing-in: The police chief (unnamed in the record) introduced and administered the oath to two new officers. The chief identified the officers as Joseph Daman, described as born in Decatur, Illinois, a Milliken University graduate who served eight years in corrections and graduated from the Florida Law Enforcement Crossover Academy in 2019; and Savannah Silva, described as born in Akron, Ohio, with prior service in several Ohio municipal departments and eight years of law-enforcement experience. Family members and friends attended the ceremony; staff encouraged officers to introduce themselves to council and the public after the oath.

What was not decided: The session recorded the appointments and oaths; there was no council vote required beyond the vice mayor nomination. No personnel details beyond the officers' biographical notes were discussed publicly.

Community notes: Council members and staff welcomed the officers and noted the value of visible swearing ceremonies for community transparency.