Elected to his third term on the City Council earlier this month, John Cotugno won a 3-2 vote Monday to continue serving another year as Vero Beach’s mayor.

“Consistency at a time like this – with so much going on in the city and all around us – is important,” Cotugno said after the council’s organizational meeting at City Hall. “That seems to be what most people want.”

Cotugno, 77, won re-election to the council on Nov. 4 by finishing second in a three-candidate race for two seats. The top vote getter was Taylor Dingle, won a second term. 

Dingle, who was only 27 when he was elected to his first term two years ago and turns 30 on Sunday, won a 3-2 vote Monday over Councilman John Carroll to serve as vice mayor.

“I know it’s mostly a ceremonial title,” Dingle said, “but I see it as more responsibility, too.”

Asked if his re-election and becoming vice mayor had prompted greater political ambitions, Dingle replied: “There’s still a lot I can do for the city, but for the first time in my life, people are coming to me and asking if I will run for things.”

It was Dingle’s immediate predecessor as vice mayor, Linda Moore, who nominated him for the position.

Moore said she appreciated her time as vice mayor – and would have welcomed a chance to be mayor – but demands on her time have increased dramatically.

Not only is Moore running two businesses, including the Kilted Mermaid bar in downtown Vero Beach, but her husband has been dealing with health issues and she recently devoted much of her spare time to the city’s Mural Fest 2025.

She also was concerned about a Florida Attorney General investigation launched last summer into allegations that minors attended a drag show at her bar.

“That was a factor, too,” Moore said. “There has been a lot of negative attention on me, and the city doesn’t need that type of distraction.

“I don’t want to poke Tallahassee with a stick, and that’s how it might’ve been taken if I were elected mayor or vice mayor.

“I decided to fall on my sword.”

In nominating Dingle, Moore said it was “time for someone younger” to step up.

Cotugno congratulated Dingle on being elected vice mayor.

“I think it’s important that we have a younger person involved,” the mayor said.

“You want to get different perspectives, and maybe it will inspire other young people to jump in.”

Dingle returned the compliment, saying Cotugno has provided steady leadership as the city continues to move forward with several major projects, including the Three Corners development, relocation of the wastewater treatment plant and renovation of the municipal marina.