Photo via City of Clearwater/YouTube
Today, Frank Hibbard—who was mayor from 2005-2012 before getting his old job back again in 2020—began packing his bag in the middle of a city council meeting.
“This is probably one of the toughest things I’ve ever done in my entire life,” Hibbard said. “But I know it’s right, ‘cause I’m not a quitter. But I’m not the right mayor for the council anymore.”
Hibbard—who was mayor from 2005-2012 before getting his old job back again in 2020—began packing his bag.
“I’m concerned about where the city is going ‘cause this is simple math and we’re not doing very well on the test,” Hibbard said.
While Hibbard gave no specific reason for his resignation, he quit following discussions for a new $90 million city hall and municipal services center.
“My understanding is there’s interest in building a new city hall/ms facility,” Hibbard said. “The price tag we have on that now is $90 million, there’s an unfunded gap of about 60 million. Is that a priority for everyone other than me?”
The now-former mayor was the only council member to oppose the project.
One hour into the work session, Hibbard grabbed his bag and water bottle and left the dais. Hibbard served as Clearwater’s mayor from 2004-2012 and was re-elected in 2020 to serve until March 2024. Following the resignation, Vice Mayor Kathleen Beckman called for a recess.
This is a developing story.
