BY MORGAN RYAN

The Orange City Council has appointed a representative to fill the vacant District 3 seat. The position was held by Alex Tiamson, who also served as vice mayor, until his passing on Dec. 29, 2024. 

The City Council held a special meeting Feb. 3 to vote on the candidate to fill the position. After a series of interviews and discussion, the council unanimously voted to appoint Dawn Tiamson. 

Tiamson, wife of the late vice mayor, sought out the position to honor her husband and her city.

“Since 2020, I’ve been involved with and attended almost every City Council meeting to date,” she said. “I want to be on the council to effectuate change and continue initiatives.”

Tiamson currently works for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in Investigative Services, and serves as treasurer of her neighborhood’s homeowners association. 

Tiamson says she wants to continue to promote the small-town feel of Orange City. She is a supporter of Date Night in the Park, an Orange City event originally hosted by her husband. She also believes in the importance of the citizens of Orange City getting involved with the City Council.

“I like to have my hand on the pulse and make change,” she said. “You have to be involved to know what you’re doing. If you don’t know what you’re doing, how can you complain?”

Dawn Tiamson was officially sworn into the District 3 seat on Feb. 3, where she said she hopes to continue her husband’s work and help the people of Orange City.