Amid a search for a permanent city manager and resignation after resignation, Deltona’s City Commission recently got one new face and lost another.

In a special meeting called Jan. 29, Deltona resident Troy Shimkus was appointed to the City Commission to fill the vacancy left by the untimely departure of District 2 Commissioner Anita Bradford. District 2 covers the northwestern part of Deltona.

The City Commission chose Shimkus from a field of 10 applicants for the post. Bradford resigned in January because of health reasons. Her term ends in November.

On the motion to appoint Shimkus to the empty spot, the vote was 5-1, with District 1 City Commissioner Tom Burbank dissenting.

But just one day later, Burbank tendered his own resignation, effective Feb. 1. 

Burbank gave no reason for leaving the office to which he was elected in 2022, and his letter of resignation to City Clerk Joyce Raffery did not include any specific reason either.

“I feel I’ve done my part,” Burbank wrote, “and it’s time to hang up my cleats.”

Deltona’s charter requires the vacancy to be filled within 30 days, thus setting the deadline for March 1. The commission must now solicit qualified voters who are interested in being appointed to represent District 1. That district covers the northeast portion of Deltona.

Whether the seat is filled by appointment or not, the seat will be up for grabs in the upcoming 2024 election. Whoever is elected in the November general election will serve the remainder of Burbank’s term until 2026.

Similarly, Shimkus will hold Bradford’s seat until the 2024 general election, when he will be eligible to run for a full four-year term as the commissioner representing District 2.

With Burbank’s seat now up for grabs, anyone living in District 1 who meets the qualifications to hold the office may contact the City Clerk’s Office at Deltona City Hall, 2345 Providence Blvd., or email jraftery@deltonafl.gov. The deadline for applying is noon Monday, Feb. 19.