Jane Castor took the oath of office Wednesday morning, becoming the newest mayor of Tampa.
She addressed a crowd of several hundred people at Armature Works, a trendy food hall built in an abandoned trolley barn north of downtown.
She becomes the city's 59th mayor - including the third woman and first openly gay mayor. Castor succeeds Bob Buckhorn, who served two terms in office.
"I see so many friends here this morning," she said to the crowd, "and I am so happy and thankful that you've taken the time to share this moment with me and our city. I ask you to join with me to help ensure Tampa's next chapter is one of action, progress and results."
The former Tampa police chief soundly defeated retired banker David Straz in last week's runoff, capturing nearly three-quarters of the vote.
“The values we share — diversity, equality and opportunity — are the same values that have guided my career from the first day as a beat cop to my last day as chief of police," Castor said. "It is those values that will guide me as your mayor."
U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven also swore in all seven members of the Tampa City Council.
