LAKELAND, Florida — Lakeland commissioners met Friday morning to decide who would replace former Commissioner Michael Dunn on an interim basis.

Dunn resigned earlier this week, after being jailed on a second-degree murder charge related to a controversial shooting in his store that was caught on camera. 

"I think we were all shocked to see what had occurred. I'm very grateful for the process that took place, and I think it was done very appropriately," said Mayor Bill Mutz. 

The commission voted 5-1 to appoint Don Selvage to fill the spot on an interim basis. 

Dunn was elected in December and replaced Selvage in January, when Selvage chose not to run for another term representing Lakeland's Southwest District. Commissioner Justin Troller made the motion to bring Selvage back to fill in until a special election on January 15.

"I think it's a noncontroversial appointment. I think he has served that area well in his eight years on the commission. I believe that he will not run again, and I believe that appointing someone who may run again is a disadvantage to others," Commissioner Troller said during the meeting.  

Selvage learned he had been appointed soon after the meeting when he was called by Spectrum Bay News 9 reporter Stephanie Claytor.

Semi-retired, Selvage said prior to Friday's meeting he told Commissioner Troller he'd serve as the interim if asked. 

"I have mixed emotions. This is under tragic circumstances. I didn't apply for the position, but I'm honored that the commission has enough confidence in me to ask me to come back and serve for a few months," Selvage said. 

The commission voted to have a special election on January 15. Mutz said he's already heard from eight to nine people. 

"It's really exciting to see, whereas historically running for commission has not always been as popular a position and subject to criticism, we have some wonderfully talented, capable people who've said, 'We want to run,'" Mutz said.  

Selvage said he's not one of those eight or nine people.

"You can put this in the archive. I have no intention of running for this seat," Selvage said.  

The city attorney is still working out the details with the Supervisor of Elections as to when candidates would have to qualify to run. Lakeland’s Finance Director estimates the special election will cost the city $65,000.