FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. - The City Commission of Flagler Beach has narrowed their City Manager search to five finalists, out of a total applicant field of 37. The finalists will be interviewed by the City Commission on July 13th and 14th at City Hall.
The finalists are as follows, with city management experience provided:
One of these candidates will likely become the new permanent City Manager of Flagler Beach, following Interim City Manager Mike Abels when he steps down this summer. Abels himself was appointed by the City Commission after they voted to fire William Whitson, the former City Manager whose mishandlings of a potential tourism grant and the city's annual firework show lost most of his goodwill from the city. Prior to Whitson, Flagler Beach was helmed by the late Larry Newsom, who passed away in August 2020.
Commissioners and residents alike hope that whichever candidate is chosen in next month's meetings, they'll provide the city with much-needed stability for years to come. The choice may well be the last major accomplishment of Commission Chair Eric Cooley and Mayor Suzie Johnston before each of them face re-election in March 2024. Johnston as Mayor does not have a vote in the hiring process, but provides input which is considered by the five voting commissioners. Neither Cooley nor Johnston have announced their 2024 plans.
