St. Augustine City Commission appoints Tracy Upchurch to Mayor post

Jacksonville, FL — St. Augustine City Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Tracy Upchurch to fill the remainder of Mayor Nancy Shaver's term Monday morning.  We told you last week when Shaver announced her resignation. Upchurch was selected over a list of about 15-20 people who had expressed interest in the position.

Shaver had suffered a stroke following a meeting at St. Augustine City Hall and later announced her resignation, saying that she would need more time to recover.

Upchurch served as St. Augustine Mayor from 1990-1992 and previously served on the City Commission.  He was also a Member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1992-1996.

Upchurch’s experience is what stood out the most to St. Augustine Vice Mayor Leanna Freeman.

“He’s very well respected, so I think that we’re really lucky that he’s willing to serve.” Freeman said.

Experience is a qualification that stood out to Commissioner John Valdes as well.

“He’s very active, he is an attorney, he deals with a lot of people.” Commissioner Valdes said.

His most recent job has been an Associate Professor of Law and History at Flagler College. Upchurch also serves as Director of the Frank D. Upchurch Sr. Endowed Program.

No specific date has been set yet, but the city said Upchurch will be sworn in sometime this week depending on his schedule.