Ronald Clifton Jr. elevated from vice mayor to mayor of South Daytona

Courtesy photo.

South Daytona Vice Mayor Ronald Clifton Jr. has been named South Daytona's new mayor after the passing earlier this monh of Mayor Blaine O'Neal.

SOUTH DAYTONA -- Ronald Clifton, Jr., South Daytona's vice mayor, was sworn in Tuesday as mayor, succeding Blaine O'Neal who died suddenly earlier this month at the age of 43.

Clifton will hold the seat until the Aug. 24 City election.

“I regret having to assume the role of mayor under such sad circumstances,” Clifton said after the swearing in ceremony at the City Council meeting. “However, I’m honored to serve our residents and the City in any way I can.”

O’Neal’s widow, Lisa O’Neal, was nominated and appointed to fill Clifton’s temporarily vacated seat. She will take the oath of office during the May 11 council meeting and serve until the August election.