Newly elected Port Orange Councilwoman resigns citing medical reasons

Brenno Carillo, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read
Former Port Orange City Council member, Kat Atwood announced her resignation on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Former Port Orange City Council member, Kat Atwood announced her resignation on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

PORT ORANGE — Port Orange City Council member Kat Atwood, who was elected in November, announced her resignation Tuesday citing medical reasons.

Atwood ran unopposed for the District 2 seat vacated by former councilman Chase Tramont, who ran for the Florida House of Representatives.

"This has not been an easy decision. If I’m not able to give it my all, I need to step down and allow someone else to have the opportunity,” Atwood said in a press release. “Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I will continue to seek out ways to serve the City of Port Orange as I am able, but for now I need to focus on my health.”

School news:Port Orange Elementary to undergo $2.3M in repairs to address 'emergency' water intrusion

Connors retires:'Consummate professional': Volusia County's longest-serving chamber exec retires

Storm recovery:'All the protection now was 100% gone': Man who lost Wilbur-by-the-Sea home talks rebuild

Atwood was elected to a four-year term. The City Council will fill her seat with a temporary replacement until a special election takes place.

The City Council plans to discuss the process during its Feb. 7 meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Former Port Orange City Council member Kat Atwood and Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette. Atwood announced her resignation from the Port Orange City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. She was elected to the District 2 seat in 2022.
Former Port Orange City Council member Kat Atwood and Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette. Atwood announced her resignation from the Port Orange City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. She was elected to the District 2 seat in 2022.

Atwood grew up in Orange City and went to high school in DeLand. She served 22 years in the United States Navy before retiring and returning home to Volusia County. She attended Daytona State College’s culinary school.

"Her dedication to this community and willingness to serve this city and its citizens will truly be missed,” said Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette in the release. “I know this was a difficult decision for her and her family to make, but I must respect their privacy at this time, and I wish the entire Atwood family only the best.”

Atwood's resignation is effective immediately.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Port Orange councilwoman Kat Atwood resigns citing medical reasons