The Groveland City Council added two new members at the November 18 City Council Meeting as newly-elected Mayor Keith Keogh and Council Member Amy Jo Carroll took their oaths of office before an audience of more than one hundred supporters.

Keogh, a retired chef who spent twenty-five years as an executive with the Walt Disney Company, addressed the assembly in a brief speech. Promising to build community, encourage unity and address rapid growth and development and city spending, he noted that, “we need to get a handle on what we’re facing here. There are more than 20,000 future homes approved in previous administrations. That’s a burden on our infrastructure that is already stressed.”

As a candidate, Keogh heard from voters concerned about higher taxes, but resisted calls for tax cuts saying, “The current budget of over $300 million for capital improvements is a challenge and thus we must address other priorities and tighten our belts.” Now Mayor, he announced the formation of several working groups comprised of volunteers to examine city procedures and make recommendations for efficiencies.

Keogh went on to announce a series of town hall meetings. “Starting in January, I invite regular citizen input on the issues we face with one in each of the city’s four council districts on a regular schedule.”

Also sworn in was incumbent Council Member Barbara Gaines who was unopposed in the recent election and appointed by the council to be Vice Mayor. Keogh replaces former Mayor Evelyn Wilson and Carroll, former Council Member Dina Sweatt.

Mayor Keogh can be contacted at keith.keogh@groveland.fl.gov.

Vice Mayor Barbara Gaines can be contacted at barbara.gaines@groveland-fl.gov.

Council Member Amy Jo Carroll can be contacted at amyjo.carroll@groveland-fl.gov.