GULF SHORES, Ala. — A council chambers full of applause welcomed back Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft on Monday.

Craft took medical leave from his mayoral position to receive treatment for a brain tumor last year. But after months of treatment he returned to a warm reception.

“Most people who live in this area have always known this is a special place,” Craft said addressing the public for the first time since December. “But I mistakenly thought it was because of the recreation opportunities, the beach, the seafood and all the things that are so good about our world down here. What I have found out in the last four weeks is that isn’t what makes this place special … it’s the people.”

The mayor said the community support he and his family has received during the duration of his recovery has been overwhelming. Craft said the received letters, e-mails, phone calls and even visits in Birmingham have shown him how great his community is.

Councilwoman Carolyn Doughty, who presided over city government in Craft’s absence as mayor pro tem, said Monday she was happy to turn the gavel back over.

“He is such a great leader and we are excited to have him back,” Doughty said in an interview. “He’s a visionary.”

Doughty will continue to oversee city issues that arose while she served as mayor pro tem. Doughty conducted Monday’s meeting.

Craft said knowing the city was left in the hands of the council and staff eased his mind and allowed him to recover without worry.

Doctors have given Craft the go-ahead to sit in the mayor’s chair. He has been instructed to avoid overexertion.

“I am absolutely glad to be back and it feels good to feel good,” Craft said during an interview after the work session. “The doctor’s have given me a clean bill of health.”

Craft recently underwent radiation and said he will return to his doctor for a scan at the end of the year to see if the treatment was successful.

“What they’ve done with me, they typically do and get good results,” Craft said.