Just three weeks before hurricane season begins, Treasure Island city commissioners voted Monday night to remove City Manager Chuck Anderson, citing what they called a failure of leadership following last year’s storms.
In a 3-2 decision during a public meeting, commissioners dismissed Anderson—one of the city’s top officials—pointing to unresolved infrastructure issues and a lack of preparedness for future hurricanes.
“I’d give us a ‘D’ on readiness,” said Commissioner Chris Clark, who supported the removal. “Seawalls are crumbling, lift stations are failing, and sewage is backing into homes. These problems reflect a breakdown in leadership.”
Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez, who initiated the motion to fire Anderson, said he had lost the confidence of both the community and city staff.
“Chuck has repeatedly shown a lack of leadership,” Vasquez said. “Too many employees have left under his watch.”
Mayor John Doctor also voted for Anderson’s removal.
Commissioner Arden Dickey, however, defended the city manager, noting the difficult circumstances Anderson inherited since taking the role last August.
“He faced challenges that would have overwhelmed even the most experienced administrator,” Dickey said.
Anderson, who has been placed on paid administrative leave, defended his tenure.
“Every action I’ve taken has been for the benefit of Treasure Island residents,” he said.
The city now faces the urgent task of finding an interim city manager as it scrambles to shore up its hurricane preparedness.
Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X
(Image credit: WTSP)
PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news






Leave a comment