By Mike Lednovich
Responding to withering calls for his resignation, new Fernandina Beach City Manager Ty Ross gave an emotional explanation of what led to his Oct. 29 bicycle accident after having too much to drink downtown.
Following Ross’ statements, the city commission agreed to hold a special meeting once the Fernandina Police body camera footage is released to the public later this week.
Ross began talking about a city commission visioning session Tuesday night when he abruptly stopped to address citizens’ demands for his resignation.
“What I want to talk about is what’s happened over the past five weeks. I’ve sought professional help for myself. I learned through talking to professionals that I was using maladaptive coping strategies. Social lubrications in settings where I was tryng to make friends and be funny. And I overdid it and I goofed,” Ross said. “I thought I was being responsible by not driving a motorized vehicle and by riding my bicycle. That didn’t work out for me and I apologize. I never intended for this to come to your attention and again it happened on the weekend. We can talk about on the job, off the job.”
Ross crashed his bicycle near the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 14th Street and a passerby called police for help. Police later gave Ross a ride home. He was not given a breathalyzer test by police.
“I immediately called my wife because I was angry and embarrassed. She got pretty angry and embarrassed too,” Ross said. “I want you to know for the past five weeks and forever more I’ve doubled down and rededicated myself to my mental health, as well as my physical health. I think I’m doing better than I’ve ever done before. I want to continue to do that with Jennifer’s support and hopefully your support. I can promise you today just to reiterate my public apology and just to say I’ll never let you down again.”
Commissioner Chip Ross said none of the city commissioners were made aware of the accident until the Observer filed a public records request on Nov. 28, almost a month after the incident.
Commissioner Ross said when he asked the city manager about the accident, he was told it happened on his own time and didn’t seem important.
Commissioner Ross requested a special meeting be held next week following the release of the police body camera footage.
Commissioner James Antun supported Ross’ call for the special meeting.
“We owe our citizens an answer. We owe it to them to be as complete and transparent as possible. And whatever disciplinary action be discussed, whatever that action might be,” Antun said.
During the public comment segment of the city commission meeting, four people spoke and demanded that the city manager resign.
They cited his lack of sound judgment by becoming drunk in public and his actions in not reporting the accident immediately to commissioners. They also cited a conflict of interest with Fernandina Police Jeff Tambasco and City Manager Ross. Just three days into becoming city manager, Ross appointed Tambasco as police chief.
Sheila Cocchi said the night of the accident, responding officers called Tambasco.
Richard Deem said outside law enforcement should be called in to conduct an independent investigation of the accident.
“The city manager should have addressed this situation immediately with you (commissioners), his bosses and gotten ahead of this instead of leaving the question in citizens’ minds of how well can the city manager lead the city and its employees,” said Victoria Robas.
In starting his comments, City Manager Ross said “Life is tough. I encountered stress I’ve never encountered in my life. I moved to a new state, a new job without my support system, my wife Jennifer Ross. I miss her and my family dearly. And life is hard sometimes. But it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you react to it. It’s not about falling down, it’s about getting up.”
If this guy had a DOD security clearance it would be in severe jeopardy for failure to report.
So the new CM really said at the commission meeting “I never intended for this to come to your attention and again it happened on the weekend.”? That statement alone shows the lack of character with this guy. We need better.
The lack of character? How so?
Your comments are interesting because you write just enough to trigger curiosity or create doubt but you do not offer anything else to solidify whatever your implication is, and in this respect, I think it’s clear you are trying to eliminate Ty Ross, or at the very least, assume a role in a possible termination or resignation. Maybe we should focus on the sentence that followed your “never intended for this to come to your attention” reference. Ty Ross made a distinction between his actions on and off the job. Did you hear that? Ty Ross was neither drinking on the job nor intoxicated while fulfilling his duties “on the job” as City Manager. Certainly riding a bicycle intoxicated is not acceptable behavior but asking for his resignation when he was doing it on his personal time is overkill, imo. Ty Ross took responsibility and spoke at length about the situation, offering even more deeply humiliating and personal information than was required. That is what we call humility. Responsibility and honesty. Those are the words and actions of a leader and not someone who should be unfairly insulted, criticized, chastised, bullied or punished.
A leader would have advised his boss (the Commissioners) of the incident and offered his resignation–which the Commission could accept or refuse.
Unless Ty Ross’s personal life interferes with his job performance, it is absolutely his right to keep it private.
Please read the City Manager’s contract. Especially where it is noted to be on call 24/7. I’m certain that it is not expected that he would be needed 24/7 on a regular basis. However, we live in a place that has a multi-faceted operation that could include. hazardous materials events, severe weather events…any number of things. Part and parcel, the salary is indicative of the responsibility and justifies the compensation.
It’s naive, at best to keep defending “personal life”.
Ha! The irony of your statement. Naive” How about informed. You are clearly making a mountain out of a molehill. Do not waste your time pin-pointing one City Manager’s mistakes without acknowledging those of the previous ones. You are tipping the scale. It is either because you, yourself are naive or you are choosing to be biased.
Unlike you, I’m allowing Mr. Ross’ statements and actions to speak for themselves and not conflating or comparing them to others. I’m not holding him to the standards of others but to the stated role he contractually agreed to.
Unlike me? I think I have clearly stated and emphasized to you what my thoughts are regarding the City Manager’s statements and actions so your comment is flawed from the start. And how interesting that you are so determined to chastise Ty Ross, who clearly made a mistake and apologized but somehow swept Dale Martin’s behaviors under the rug. There is a name for that sort of behavior, and I certainly have no intentions of posting it here, but your mindset and agenda are more than apparent.
Again, you’re conflating multiple instances. My position would be the same. no matter the person. My agenda is to live in a place that has leaders who use good judgment and have integrity. I’m forthcoming and transparent. Can you say the same?
I have to be frank. Please stop using awkward terminology to make yourself sound smart. I can see right through that. It is cringing. Please write simply. I would appreciate it. Now, you are making the claim that I am conflating multiple instances. Please emphasize precisely what you mean. Also, I do not believe your agenda is to seek leaders who use good judgment. If that were the case, your “research” would not reek of bias. You may be putting yourself out there but that does not necessarily mean you are transparent. You may be physically transparent but are you genuine? My perception is that you are not. I think what you really want is someone who aligns with your political agenda. I could probably prove it if I had the time, but I am not even sure that is necessary. Your actions speak for themselves.
LOL. I’m sorry you’re offended by my writing/speaking style. And your opinions are just that…opinions. I’ll take that for what it’s worth. You’re welcome to think what you like but I have stated my agenda, clearly and plainly. Obviously your authenticity is hidden behind a pseudonym and keyboard.
Good luck to you.
I see a failure to be forthcoming and bad judgement by the senior city executive.
If he hides this, what else might he hide?
The lack of forthrightness with the city commission was a major reason for releasing Martin–can’t have a repeat.
So using that logic, if someone killed or raped while not on the clock, he/she would get a pass? I don’t think so..
“That” logic? We are not talking about murder rape or anything close. There is a reason crimes are graded into different categories. It essentially comes down to intent. When someone rapes or murders someone else, intent is used to determine the level of crime and punishment. What Ty Ross did does not even come close to rape or murder, and I do not think you can efficiently prove this his intent was to harm anyone.
I find it interesting that all DOD employees in Nassau County with security clearances are held to higher standards than this guy.
Your comments are interesting because you write just enough to trigger curiosity or create doubt but you do not offer anything else to solidify whatever your implication is, and in this respect, I think it’s clear you are trying to eliminate Ty Ross, or at the very least, assume a role in a possible termination or resignation. Maybe we should focus on the sentence that followed your “never intended for this to come to your attention” reference. Ty Ross made a distinction between his actions on and off the job. Did you hear that? Ty Ross was neither drinking on the job nor intoxicated while fulfilling his duties “on the job” as City Manager. Certainly riding a bicycle intoxicated is not acceptable behavior but asking for his resignation when he was doing it on his personal time is overkill, imo. Ty Ross took responsibility and spoke at length about the situation, offering even more deeply humiliating and personal information than was required. That is what we call humility. Responsibility and honesty. Those are the words and actions of a leader and not someone who should be unfairly insulted, criticized, chastised, bullied or punished.
Not sure that he “took responsibility” or ever owned it when, by his own admission, he never intended for the city commissioners to know about all of this. I would be willing to bet that he reviewed the contract he signed with the city attorney or his own personal attorney, especially the part stating that he knew he was on call 24/7 so he understood his “personal time” was always subject to change. The first call CM should have made after he arrived home or next morning, should have been to the mayor or the city attorney to advise one of them of the incident and seek advice on “next steps”. That would have been “honesty, responsibility and humility”. Instead this whole thing is unraveling a month later as a result of a FOIA request. The city spent oodles of taxpayer dollars and much time looking for a new city manager. This is profoundly disappointing on every level after all the searching, vetting and a salary increase!
Interesting situation. The police chief came here with baggage. He should answer to the preferential treatment given to Ross. The city manager’s comments are outrageous. A city manager’s job is stressful. He is stressed over a job change? There should be an outside investigation. He should be put on administrative leave pending the results. Frankly it may be best to cut bait. He has violated the public trust,
Why are the his comments outrageous? Ty Ross made a mistake. He owned it. He apologized. Do you even care how much courage it took to stop in the midst of a sentence to address his behavior and explain? That alone showed us a man who is not comfortable with the situation. A man with a conscience. That’s huge. And btw, how many others who are reading this have had too much to drink on your personal time? How many have driven drunk but have never been caught? What Ty Ross did was wrong but unlike some city managers, he has taken responsibility and is seeking help. As Commissioner Sturges once referenced in a meeting, no one is perfect. Ty Ross is not perfect either. I say give him your support. As long as he manages the municipality efficiently and treats the citizens and employees with respect, then give him a chance.
wow, this is a mean town full of hatred and anger.
I’m thankful that the City Manager was not injured during his incident. I feel compassion for his personal struggles and hope he is able to get the assistance he admits he needs.
That being said, the apology tour seems to lack contrition for anything besides being exposed. He even reiterated that he was on his own time and wished we’d never known about this.
Even if Ross were embarrassed enough to resign, which would get him zero $, he’d be better off being fired receiving 12 weeks severance, about $60k.
I’m a firm believer in the adage “Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it”. In my opinion the City of Fernandina Citizens and taxpayers should not bear the burden of proverbially paving Ross’s road to redemption.
Our current Commission has neither the fortitude nor inclination to do what’s right.
of course you will leap out to judge Sheila, apparently, he does not fit your County Democratic Chairperson mold of being an ultra liberal so you want to trash his life.
Dave, are you suggesting that I am responsible for his choices? I am merely suggesting that the behavior and the subsequent actions are not becoming of a top City official. In fact, they are contrary to his employment contract. So if you consider that an ultraliberal thing, well then, color me blue.
PS who is Dave? LOL
Right… I momentarily forgot that you hide behind a keyboard.
Sheila, I say this with the utmost respect because you seem like a caring person, but I think your positions relating to Ty Ross have much more to do with your support of Dale Martin than anything else. Here is where I must ask you why you have performed countless record requests but have somehow overlooked anything that does not align with your political interests? It appears that you are tipping the scale entirely.
Mr. Martin was not perfect but he served our City well for many years. In the years that he served, I can’t recall any instance that would bring shame or embarrassment to our City or himself. That’s certainly not to say he never made any decisions that some might disagree with.
Public records are there for transparency in government. I only ask questions or to review documents.I have no control over what a search might yield. Only asking questions. It has little to do with my political interests and everything to do with a functioning City goverment.
Is there something specific you’re alluding to? You’re giving me entirely too much credit. But I’m flattered you think I have that much power.
Why yes, there is something specific to which I am alluding. If your record requests have been thorough and reviewed through an unbiased lens, then you would know there were well-merited reasons for Dale Martin’s termination. This is not a matter of disagreement or even opinion; Dale Martin irrefutably behaved unprofessionally several times. In fact, many of his wrongdoings that clearly violated the FB Behavioral Code of Conduct were never even mentioned to the citizens of Fernandina Beach. Yes, public records are there for transparency purposes and I agree that you have no control over what a search may reveal, but it is then up to you to search deeper and find the evidence. Also, Commissioner Sturges provided a list of the reasons he called for Dale Martin’s termination and I frankly think most unbiased, neutral parties would agree that those reasons alone are far more concerning than the current City Manager who went out for drinks on a weekend and fell off his bike while riding home. Commissioner Sturges deserves credit for taking the lead while others sat back and closed their eyes to Martin’s unprofessional and detrimental behavior. Btw, has anyone else noticed the timing of the Ethics complaint against Sturges? I certainly have. And there are other questionable issues too.. such as the records request that was done only days before the complaint was filed. Retaliation? I think so. What I think is really happening here with Ty Ross is that he erred in judgment on his personal time (not on the job), was probably embarrassed and did not want to mention it to others (understandably so) and is now being targeted and chastised by the very ones who have been complaining about the termination of Dale Martin since day one. Falling off a bike while intoxicated on a weekend is not enough to terminate City Manager Ross. You need more, and I seriously doubt you are going to get it because Ty Ross, who appears to be an egoless leader, has demonstrated self-awareness by admitting his mistake, assuming responsibility, seeking help and then openly sharing details about his personal life with the citizens of Fernandina Beach. If you really want a functioning city government, then it not only starts with the municipality itself but also with the citizens. Ty Ross apologized and assured us that he will not let us down again. Now it is up to us to do our part by giving him the chance that I think he deserves.
thank you for sharing this – this so helped me clarify why I am so disturbed by the attacks on Mr. Ross (who I have never met) Well Said.
You seem to know an awful lot about me, even assuming my intentions. Because I speak out publicly and use my own name? I’d appreciate to know with whom I’m speaking. For transparency.
The Martin era has passed. It’s not germane as it relates to Ross. However, I would be interested in any facts you might have, with proof of misconduct. The reasons stated by Commissioner Sturges were not even his own. They were submitted by an anonymous person and were not backed up with facts.
As for Mr. Ross, I’m guessing by now you have seen the body cam video. I’m sure there are those will still minimize the event and the attempts to conceal it. Would we even know now were it not for the call for the video? There’s a PRR for the City Manager’s contract. It’s good reading to understand what is expected for a salary and compensation valued at a quarter of a million dollars.
As for Mr. Ross assuring us he would not let us down again… he promised he’d not do that upon his hire. So he’s already behind the ball.
It’s nothing personal to Mr. Ross. He seems like a nice person. That alone is not enough to handle the role. I now find it ironic that one of the reasons Mayor Bean chose him is because he felt like he could “have a beer with the guy.”
It is easy for anyone paying attention to know about someone who positions themselves in the public eye. My knowledge of or about you is limited to what you have revealed publicly and willingly. There are others who are just as involved as you but wish to remain private for justifiable reasons.
Obviously the information Commissioner Sturges provided to terminate Dale Martin was obtained and presented by him, so yes, the reasons he gave were his. There were additional reasons as well, but some were not discussed to protect the privacy of certain individuals. Just because the information was provided by anonymous sources does not mean it is inaccurate. Where is the evidence to show that it is?
On that note, you probably recall the February, 2023 commission meeting where Dale Martin “spontaneously” rebutted the list. Where is the evidence to support the statements Mr. Martin made about Chief Tambasco? Nowhere because it does not exist. And that is only a small fraction of the big picture. What I think is that you have been performing biased research which explains why you seem limited within your scope of the big picture.
You are correct; I have seen the Ross video. He had too much to drink on a weekend and tumbled from his bike to the grass. I see it for what it is and am not making a mountain out of a molehill so I can have a so-called, legitimate excuse to demand a resignation.
Here you say Mr. Ross seems like a nice person but it’s not enough to fill the “role.” I do not understand what you mean. By “role,” are you talking about your own idealistic, personal vision of how and what Ty Ross should be, or are you referring to how well he maximizes the budget, executes projects that benefits the entire City, delegates authority and treats the Fernandina Beach employees and citizens? I understand he has been doing a pretty good job at managing the City. So how is it that you think a poor personal decision over a weekend outweighs his overall performance on the job as City Manager? Your reference to Bean’s comment is a bit over the top too. When someone says that another person is someone they “could have a beer with,” that simply means the person is likable and enjoyable. Even I understand that and I do not even drink.
Thanks but the lack of transparency is telling. So I’ll consider the source.
Sometimes there are legal reasons people remain anonymous. That does not mean the information the person offers is inaccurate, untruthful or misleading. If that were the case, organizations such as the FBI would not accept anonymous tips. I assure you that names will be revealed when the time is right. Your ongoing, biased and unreasonable witch hunts are baseless in many respects. Agreeably, you do sometimes make reasonable points, but in this situation, you have been one-sided and exceptionally subjective since the day Dale Martin was fired. Anyone with half a brain can see that.
Reading an account of the City Manager’s words at the Commission meeting reveals that he has much bigger problems than a one time drinking/riding indiscretion.
You say he has admitted that he needs help. The depth of such an admission in itself is about as humble as it gets so what is your reason for thinking his apology lacks remorse? Of course he did not talk about it after the fact; he was clearly embarrassed. Does remaining silent mean that he did not feel remorseful or ashamed? Absolutely not. Then you refer to Allen’s quote that I have never fully understood. Personalities are innate; character is not. Adversity builds AND reveals character; why simplify it to just one? Ty Ross has already revealed his character by taking responsibility for his actions, openly sharing his difficulties and and humbly asking the citizens for support. He will now build more character because of the current difficulties he is experiencing. There is nothing burdensome about that.
Is there a reason you won’t identify yourself? I think it would explain excusing the behavior exhibited by and admitted to by Ross.
I have some ideas about why that would be.
And what are those ideas? Please share.
Commissioner Antun is a huge disappointment to those who voted for him.
It would seem to me that the Commissioners should do what they failed to do with the previous manager. That is put him on probation with specific objectives. Plus contact the Search firm and get them to agree to extend the refund period by the probation period. If they refuse this might be a reason for termination. let’s not spend the search money twice.
In my opinion, different situation entirely. Remediation for a long time, proven employee is one thing as there is history and trust established. In the infancy of employment? Might be a good predictor of future behavior. The bad judgement of the incident could be attributed to the alcohol impairment. The poor judgement of not reporting for a month speaks to his normal judgement.
I think it’s reasonable to assume that we still would not know of the situation had the requests for information had not been made. Even when he was warned about the request, he did not issue an apology until pressed by a reporter.. his words.
An additional point I”d like to make is that this certainly creates a dangerous precedent within the City operations should he remain.
In my opinion, the right thing for the City and the mental health of Mr. Ross would be to part ways.
“Social lubrications in settings where I was trying to make friends.”
Pro tip for Ty Ross….The people at the bar downtown are not your friends and neither is the bartender. Any true friend or reputable bartender would have made it their priority to ensure your safe arrival home.
Poor decision making on the part of the CM. Not good.
I said this in another post, and I’ll say it again here, City manager Ross was way over the limit for drinking, way more than just social lubrication and trying to make friends. In my opinion, it is obvious he’s got a drinking problem. He appears to admit that and is taking steps to get more healthy mentally. I say give him one more chance, but the bar needs to be set pretty low for him and another screw-up and he should be gone. It may actually be doing him a favor. We can show him compassion now, but tough love needs to be in the future after this.
A Libertarian perspective would seem to be ——–If Ty Ross didn’t hurt anyone, and he was on his own time- who cares?
You can bet that a lot of police in a lot of places would have not wanted to make a big deal out of someone who rode a bicycle after a few drinks – as they have much more important things to do. Like being available and ready for some sort of real crime where there is a victim.
“Son, never trust a man who doesn’t drink because he’s probably a self-righteous sort, a man who thinks he knows right from wrong all the time. Some of them are good men, but in the name of goodness, they cause most of the suffering in the world. They’re the judges, the meddlers. And, son, never trust a man who drinks but refuses to get drunk. They’re usually afraid of something deep down inside, either that they’re a coward or a fool or mean and violent. You can’t trust a man who’s afraid of himself.”
― James Crumley
If I had to deal with this City Commission and some of the citizens who post here, I’d be drunk most of the time. Chill, people.
Even doing that interview like he did was a lapse in judgment. This guy obviously has issues. The City has issues. We don’t need to increase them. It appears that the Commission made a serious mistake hiring this guy and should not attempt to double down. And what’s with the cops giving him a pass on a DUI?
Dale Martin must be smirking now.
I think our city manager is great! What good judgement he demonstrated by NOT driving when he knew he would be drinking. By taking his bike, he only put himself at risk, not others. I think we should lay off this guy and realize that we have had other elected officials drink and get behind the wheel of their car and they did not resign, so let’s not beat up on someone who did the right thing. Geez!
I also say that more than one of us has had a bit too much to drink from time to time. While off duty, that’s OK and again, he never put anyone else in harm’s way.
Now, I feel bad for the Manager.
Did he become violent? No….
Did he insult and abuse anyone?….. not really
Did he damage anyone’s property?…… don’t think so
Did he break a law? …… nope
Did he try to escape justice?…… hardly
Did he try to deny his error?….. negative
Did he apologize…… yes
Did he try to place the blame on anyone else?……. no
Did the City expect to hire a Saint without flaw?…..I hope not!
Are any of the Commissioners without fault within themselves?….. haha
Are people outraged about this weekend spill?……. some are
Are these same people more perfect that the Manager?….. unlikely
Are the outraged people, the same ones that wanted to keep the previous manager?
So, is this really about the current manager’s bike spill, or is it about their anger over losing the previous manager (which did a good job, BTW)
Seems to me this argument is about something other than an intoxicated bike ride…….Detractors will claim a lofty claim that City Managers are to be above reproach, and not cause harm to the City. These same folk might consider the log in their own eyes before complaining about the splinter in the Manager’s eye.
So, when the Commissioners and others pass judgement on this man, let them be aware that all have make mistakes. Let’s be clear that our minds are not clouded by our anger over a previous wrong. Fernandina has had a long history of changing out City Managers quickly.
Give this one a chance?
Mr. Ross made a poor decision by not reporting the incident to his superiors when the police became involved. However, what he does on his own time is his business. What I find problematic is that the bartender ever let him leave the establishment if he could not walk without assistance.