🟠 Main Squeeze: Fort Pierce picked an interim city attorney and he said no

Fort Pierce is heading toward September 11th with no city attorney and a special meeting on Monday to figure out what comes next 🏛️.

Here is the full picture. City Attorney Sara Hedges had her contract non-renewed by a 3 to 2 vote back in June. Her last day is September 11th. Monday night HR Director Jared Sorensen brought two names to the commission: Dan McIntire, a former St. Lucie County attorney who has served as Fort Pierce's interim city attorney four separate times before, and John Anastasio, a former Port St. Lucie city attorney.

Before the commission could act on either name, Commissioner Broderick made a motion to extend Hedges' contract through December 21st, offer her a 90 day severance and have her waive any litigation claims against the city. Commissioner Johnson pushed back immediately. "I heard some stuff tonight about some monies and moving on and severance packages, so I'm just trying to figure out when did this come about? I know nothing of this. This is like news to me. I haven't had a chance to look at anything, weigh out options." That motion failed 3 to 2.

Commissioner Dzadovsky came right back with a new motion. "If the issue that's been brought before us was two names, so I make a motion that we enter into conversations with Mr. Dan McIntire becoming interim city attorney, City of Fort Pierce." That motion passed 4 to 1 and it looked like the city had its answer.

It did not last.

Days after the vote, McIntire declined the offer. The city confirmed it in the agenda for a special meeting now scheduled for Monday August 24th at 9 a.m. The agenda reads: "Subsequently, Mr. McIntire declined the city's offer to serve in this capacity. The city will be without a city attorney as of September 11, 2026."

Sunland News has filed a public records request to get more clarity on what happened. A source with knowledge of the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the city manager's office had made McIntire aware that a number of staff members in the city attorney's office would also be departing. In their words, he was walking into a difficult situation.

What is on the agenda for Monday's special meeting 📋:

📋 Approve a contract with S. Renée Narloch and Associates for up to $30,950 to conduct a professional search for the next permanent city attorney

👤 Determine who the interim city attorney will be before September 11th, which is now less than three weeks away

What's next: Special meeting Monday August 24th at 9 a.m. at Fort Pierce City Hall. We will be following this closely 📅.

💬 What do you think about where this situation stands? Tell us right here