Mayor Frank Hibbard announced today that he is leaving office, shortly after taking a five-minute recess during a city council work session.
Hibbard mentioned in the past that he loves Clearwater and what the city council has done during his tenure. For Hibbard, this was an important decision as he was keeping his family and health a priority. He said that he could no longer stay in office in “good conscience.”
“As much as I love the city, and as much as I want to stick around for some of the things that are going to occur over the next couple of months, I simply am not the right person to be here anymore,” said Hibbard.
Hibbard had recommended Councilman Hoyt Hamilton to be appointed interim mayor shortly after thanking his staff and council members before taking his leave. “So thank you all and God bless,” said Hibbard.
Vice Mayor Kathleen Beckman had taken a lengthy recess after Hibbard’s resignation. She said that she was shocked and saddened at the mayor’s decision.
Hibbard’s resignation has left many people with many questions and are wondering what will happen in the future for the city of Clearwater.
Spring break unrest takes over Miami Beach
Two shootings have taken place in Miami Beach over Spring Break, which led to a curfew being enforced overnight in an effort to lower any dangerous activity.
Miami Beach’s Mayor Dan Gelber says that the deadly shootings happened on Ocean Drive Friday and Saturday nights, and that spring breakers are the ones responsible.
“We don’t want spring break in our city. It’s too rowdy, brings too much disorder and it’s simply too difficult to police,” said Gelber.
Gelber and the Miami Beach Commission discussed extending the curfew into this weekend.
For more information, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov
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