New Town Council Seated

Councilmembers Robert Gibbons, John Heanue and James Raphalian are sworn in by Town Clerk Vyviana Sawley.

On November 29, the new Town Council of the Town of Orchid was seated. Incumbent Robert Gibbons, and newcomers John Heanue and James Raphalian were sworn in by Town Clerk Vyviana Sawley pursuant to the Town's Charter provisions to start their four-year terms on the board. The oath:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, honor, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State and under the Charter of the Town of Orchid; and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of (title of office) on which I am now about to enter, so help me God."

They will serve alongside Councilmembers Paul Knapp and Mary Jane Benedetto. 

At the same meeting, the Town Council selected from its own members the Mayor and Vice-Mayor for the upcoming year. Both Mayor Gibbons and Vice-Mayor Knapp were unanimously approved to serve another year in those roles respectively. 

Read more about each of our Town Councilmembers in Who We Are