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Largo selects Brindal Miller Olive to replace retiring city attorney Zimmitt
Summary
Following a proclamation honoring outgoing City Attorney Alan Zimmitt, the commission voted 6-0 to retain Brindal Miller Olive (BMO) with Sarah Johnston as primary contact; commissioners debated in-house counsel vs. outside firm and received heated public comments.
The Largo City Commission on Dec. 16 unanimously approved retaining Brindal Miller Olive (BMO) to provide city-attorney services after longtime City Attorney Alan Zimmitt announced his retirement. The motion to retain BMO passed 6-0.
The mayor read a proclamation recognizing Zimmitt for 37 years of service to the city, including 25 years as city attorney, and commissioners offered personal remarks thanking him for his counsel. Zimmitt addressed the commission, reflected on his career and thanked staff and family.
Staff recommended BMO as a successor and said Sarah Johnston will serve as the city’s primary contact to ensure duties are fulfilled under the charter. Commissioners noted the proposed contract represents some cost savings compared with previous arrangements and discussed whether the city should consider hiring an in‑house attorney in the future; one commissioner asked staff to analyze the numbers.
During public comment, Greg Gardner used his time to make multiple accusations about past legal actions and local officials; the mayor and other commissioners cautioned against personal attacks and disruptive speech. The commission did not take any disciplinary action during the meeting but moved forward with the BMO appointment.
Next steps: staff will finalize the agreement with BMO and transition responsibilities to the firm and the named contact, Sarah Johnston.
