RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — A new era of leadership in Riviera Beach is officially underway, as a new mayor and three council members sworn in Wednesday night.
None of the incumbents earned reelection. Only Councilwoman KaShamba Miller-Anderson remains from the Jonathan Evans era, the city manager who’s controversial firing created a strong community backlash 17 months ago.
RELATED: Riviera Beach residents hopeful new city leadership will bring change
All the councilors who wanted him gone are out of office.
Ronnie Felder replaced 12-year mayor, Thomas Masters.
“I think that we have to keep that in mind that we work for the people, that people’s voice means everything. We have to pay attention to them and be a listening ear and do what they asked us to do because they voted us in,” Felder said.
Doug Lawson beat incumbent Terrance Davis for the District 5 council seat.
“Change is here, we’ve moved on from the city in turmoil to the city of triumph,” Lawson said.
Julie Botel beat Dawn Pardo last year for the Singer Island council seat, District 4. She called for everyone on the dais to join hands as a sign of unity at Wednesday’s meeting.
At Headliners barbershop for barber William Wells, a new look in Riviera Beach is welcome.
“They might get it right this time. I think it’s pretty good that you have new council members, so you get like a fresh start,” he said.
Next for the city is finding a new city manager. There was a talk at Wednesday’s meeting to bring back Evans.
