- February 10, 2026
Deputy County Administrator Percy Sayles is resigning from the position after just under four months on the job.
Sayles’ last day will be March 3. He stepped into the position in October after the death of previous Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas. Sayles stepped in from the Flagler County Fire Rescue where he served as deputy fire chief for four years.
County Administrator Heidi Petito announced Sayles’ departure at the end of the Flagler County Commission’s Feb. 9 meeting.
“His departure represents a significant loss to our organization as he has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dedication, and leadership throughout his tenure,” Petito said. “His contributions have had a lasting positive impact, and he'll be greatly missed.”
In his resignation letter, submitted on Feb. 4, Sayles writes that it is "with mixed emotions" that he resigns from the position. Though he did not give a reason for his resignation, he writes that he leaves "with the assurance that the residents of Flagler County are in good hands.
"I have often heard it said that you will know when it's time to call it a day, and I now understand the truth in those words," Sayles wrote. "There is a natural life for all things, and I feel confident that this is the right moment for me to step down."
Commissioner Pam Richardson was one of only two commissioners to comment on Sayles’ resignation, saying she was sad to see him go.
“I'm sorry that he's going, but I understand his rights to make his decisions and he'll always be a part of my heart, as all of you are,” Richardson said. “Thank you for all you guys in the back of the room do. I can't tell you how important you are to all of us.”
Petito also did not give a reason for Sayles' resignation. But several members of the Flagler County Commission have spoken about a lack of trust in current county leadership, particularly with Petito.
In January, Commissioner Kim Carney motioned for the board to fire Petito.
“I lack confidence in our administrator,” Carney said at the Jan. 12 meeting.
At the time, Carney suggested that the county could fill the position with a retired administrator while Petito's position was filled with a more permanent person.
Her motion died without a second, but not because Carney was alone in her feelings — Commissioners Richardson and Leann Pennington said they had had their own issues with Petito and staff.
Sayles has 33 years of of public service experience under his belt. He wrote that it was a privilege to work with the team of "dedicated public servants" at Flagler County.
"I have dedicated myself to making a positive impact on the communities I served," Sayles wrote. "Each day, I came to work with the goal of improving the lives of those around me, and I am proud of the progress we have achieved together."
Commissioner Andy Dance said that while the county will move on, the board will miss him.
“I respect you immensely, sir. Your honesty and integrity are unmatched,” Dance said. “I just hate losing really good mentors and confidants and people that I know I can work with.”
