Lan Vaughan was sworn in as Indian Rocks Beach’s new mayor on March 25, two weeks after defeating incumbent Denise Houseberg by more than 350 votes. Commissioners Janet Wilson and Kellee Watt were also seated, marking significant leadership change in a beach community that has faced hurricane damage and the resignations of top officials over the past two years.

Vaughan, a former commissioner, pledged to pursue open and transparent governance and said he had already met with city staff to get up to speed on key issues. He said the city would crack down on short-term rental violations and parking enforcement while remaining responsive to residents.

Wilson, the incumbent vice mayor, was unanimously chosen by her colleagues to retain that title, with Vaughan citing her work as the city’s liaison to the Florida League of Cities. Watt, a longtime resident and former global HR executive, received the most votes among the five candidates competing for the two open commission seats.

Before the new officials were seated, outgoing Commissioner Jude Bond and former Mayor Houseberg each received commemorative street signs from City Manager Ryan Henderson in recognition of their service.

On another matter, Henderson announced the city’s pilot paid parking program will launch May 18 — one week before Memorial Day. The program, run in partnership with ParkMobile, will charge $4.50 per hour at 182 beachfront parking spots. The plan drew public backlash when announced in January, with visitors objecting to the fees and residents concerned that paid spots would push cars into nearby neighborhoods. Henderson said the city would monitor spillover and assess where additional “no parking” signs may be needed on a weekly basis.

The next Indian Rocks Beach City Commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 14.

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