Council Member Guyton confronts city manager over employee misconduct and accountability issues

During the Riviera Beach City Council meeting on July 16, 2025, significant discussions centered around educational funding and internal management issues, highlighting the council's commitment to improving community services and addressing workplace conduct.

The council unanimously approved a plan to allocate additional funding for educational programs aimed at enhancing academic support for local children. This initiative includes the establishment of an ACT/SAT boot camp and a focus on preschool education, recognizing the need to engage children earlier in their learning journey. Council members emphasized the importance of partnering with local daycares to create effective academic programs, aiming to address gaps in foundational knowledge among young students.

In a more contentious segment of the meeting, tensions arose regarding the conduct of city employees, particularly Finance Director Randy Sherman. Councilperson Guyton expressed frustration over Sherman's disrespectful behavior during a previous interaction, which he felt was inadequately addressed by City Manager Jonathan Evans. Guyton proposed a written reprimand for Sherman, citing a pattern of unprofessional conduct that undermines the council's authority and respect. Evans defended his management approach, stating that disciplinary actions should follow established procedures and not be dictated by individual council members.

The meeting concluded with a motion to extend the session to discuss ongoing litigation matters, reflecting the council's proactive stance on legal and administrative issues affecting the city. A closed executive session was scheduled for the following day to strategize on appellate litigation involving the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's dual focus on enhancing educational opportunities for the community while navigating internal governance challenges, setting the stage for future discussions on accountability and professional conduct within city management.