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Winter Haven swears in new commissioner, elects Brian Yates mayor and Tracy Mercer mayor pro tem

City Commission of the City of Winter Haven · January 13, 2026
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Summary

At its January meeting the Winter Haven City Commission swore in Chad Davis as commissioner, elected Brian Yates as mayor and Tracy Mercer as mayor pro tem. Outgoing Commissioner Bradley Dantzler offered farewell remarks.

The Winter Haven City Commission swore in newly elected commissioner Chad Davis and elected Brian Yates mayor for the coming year. The commission also selected Tracy Mercer as mayor pro tem.

City Attorney John Murphy administered the oath of office to Chad Davis and later to Mayor Brian Yates after commissioners nominated and closed nominations for the office. "It is now my privilege to administer the oath of office to Brian Yates as mayor for the city of Winter Haven," the city attorney said during the ceremony. Yates thanked the commission and described priorities including continued work on ongoing Northeast Winter Haven projects.

Tracy Mercer was nominated and elected mayor pro tem by unanimous voice vote; Mercer said her priorities include infrastructure, public safety and supporting local businesses. Outgoing Commissioner Bradley Dantzler offered a farewell after 13 years of service, citing accomplishments such as the Chain of Lakes Complex and advising the new commissioners to be inclusive and forward looking.

The commission updated liaison and advisory committee assignments following the swearing in.