Levy Court on Nov. 18 voted to remove Commissioner George Jody Sweeney from all assigned committee and liaison appointments, after several commissioners and members of the public said Sweeney’s social-media activity had harmed residents and reflected poorly on the county.

The action, moved by Commissioner Angel and seconded by Commissioner Hall, passed on roll call with six in favor and one absence. President Masten clarified that the reassignment affects only committee and liaison appointments, not Sweeney’s elected seat. “Nothing that the Levy Court’s gonna do here tonight…is gonna prevent Commissioner Sweeney from doing his job or sitting at Levy Court,” the court’s clerk confirmed during discussion.

Commissioners said the move was intended as a disciplinary step short of censure or other remedies that were discussed with county counsel. Several commissioners urged a clearer ethics and social-media policy to guide future responses. “We need a protocol,” Commissioner Angel said, indicating the court’s administration committee would pursue revisions.

Members of the public who addressed the court largely supported the action. Kimberly Mary Petters said in comments that Sweeney’s posts had put people “in the line of fire with awful accusations” and described the court’s vote as a difficult but necessary step. Other speakers described personal harms they attributed to the posts and called for greater accountability.

Court supporters of the removal described it as necessary to maintain institutional integrity; opponents or those urging caution framed the matter as balancing First Amendment rights with the higher standards expected of elected officials. Commissioners emphasized that the court has limited authority to remove an elected official from office and that reassignment of appointments was the available remedy.

Next steps called for the Levy Court president to propose reassignments of committee and liaison roles at a future meeting and for staff and commissioners to pursue written ethics and social-media guidance. The session adjourned to executive session for separate personnel, legal and land-acquisition discussions.