During a recent city council meeting, concerns were raised regarding the management and financial decisions made by the city manager, particularly in relation to the Beech Drive project and the allocation of funds between the city marina and the Martin Theater.

One council member expressed frustration over the city manager's handling of the Beech Drive initiative, noting a shift in public sentiment against the project. The member emphasized the need for the city manager to engage more transparently with the community to avoid further controversy.

Additionally, questions were posed about employee satisfaction within the city’s workforce. The council member called for an anonymous evaluation of employee morale and inquired whether department heads had measurable goals to ensure effective staffing and management.

The discussion also highlighted fiscal management issues, particularly the decision to redirect funds from the city marina to support the financially struggling Martin Theater. The council member criticized this move, arguing that the marina represented a positive revenue source that could benefit the community, while the theater would likely require ongoing financial support from taxpayers. The member questioned why funds were not shifted in the opposite direction, suggesting that the theater should be subsidized by its own revenues rather than drawing from the marina.

Concerns were further raised about the long-term implications of this financial strategy, particularly regarding the city's relationship with the Saint Joe Company and William Harrison, who are set to manage the yacht basins. The council member expressed skepticism about the city’s future financial independence, suggesting that the current decisions could leave the city vulnerable for decades.

Finally, the council member voiced doubts about the city manager's qualifications for the role, citing a lack of relevant experience and expressing disappointment in the continuation of previous administrative practices. The meeting underscored a growing urgency for accountability and strategic planning within the city's governance.