- March 9, 2026
Flagler County has decided to start the process of finding a new county administrator to replace Heidi Petito, forgoing an interim administrator for now.
The county will go through the Florida Association of County Managers and the process will be led through Flagler County’s Human Resources department. The process could take several months and Commissioner Greg Hansen said the county should just start the search.
“Why do we need an interim? Why don't we just go start the process and find somebody," he said. "We have Heidi here to run the show while we're doing that."
Petito has served as the county administrator for five years, but on March 3 submitted a separation agreement with the Flagler County Commission. In recent months, she has been at odds with several members of the board. Petito leaving means the administration leaves no seasoned personnel in either the county or deputy administrator positions as former Deputy Administrator Percy Sayles' final day was March 3.
Petito said the discussion at the March 9 meeting was “unnecessary” when it was already scheduled on the March 16 workshop.
“It continues to display a very sloppy approach to trying to find a transition,” Petito told the board.
Commissioner Andy Dance threw out the idea of asking Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge to step in and fill the deputy position, similar to what Strobridge did for Palm Coast over the 2025 summer season. But, Dance said, Strobridge would have to completely break from the FCSO to take over the position.
Hansen said he did not see that happening.
In a switch from her arguments on March 3, Commissioner Kim Carney said she was not for filling either position with an existing staff member and instead using a professional service for the county administrator position. Carney did point out there is a possibility of Petito pushing the county's hand if she found another job before July.
Petito said that wasn't a concern. She said she already stated her willingness to stay on until July 14, through the tentative budget.
“I still feel that way,” Petito said, “because the budget is the most important thing that you guys are responsible for in county government.”
Several commissioners were leery of the deputy administrator position remaining empty. Commissioner Leann Pennington said she would like to see the deputy position filled soon, not just incase Petito decides to leave sooner, but for a balance of work responsibilities and to fill and gaps should Petito need to take time off.
But the County Commission can not direct Petito to fill the position. The hiring and firing of county staff falls under the purview of the county administrator, while the board can only hire or fire the administrator and the county attorney.
Petito referenced the March 3 meeting where comments were made to “rip the band-aid off” and have an “immediate separation” between Petito and the county. Carney and Richardson were the primary advocates of finding an immediate replacement for the county administrator position.
“This is sloppy. This is not a professional look,” Petito said. “I'm here as a professional. I will stay on. But if we could continue to act as professionals and move forward with the budget while you all search for a permanent replacement, that would be wonderful.”
