Special Meeting Called to Discuss Ty Ross Affair

By Mike Lednovich

The Fernandina Beach City Commission will hold a special meeting Dec. 19 to discuss what, if any, disciplinary actions should be taken against City Manager Ty Ross after public disclosure of his Oct. 29 alcohol-related bicycle accident.

Ross was in the second week of assuming the city manager position when he admitted to having too much to drink downtown and then attempting to ride a bicycle back to his house. Witnesses alerted police when they found Ross sprawled and rolling around a front yard lawn about 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 14th Street. When police arrived, Ross was incoherent and confused in responding to officers.

The public, city commissioners and the city attorney became aware of the incident on Nov. 28 when the Observer made a public records request for the police records and video of Ross’ accident.

The request for the special meeting was made by City Commissioner Chip Ross and supported by Commissioner James Antun at the commission’s Dec. 5 meeting after public comment that Ross should resign and the police department held accountable for giving Ross special treatment. Ross addressed those comments, admitting he had “goofed” and has been seeking professional counseling for stress related issues.

“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 told commissioners.

Ross was just three days into the job when he appointed Jeff Tambasco, the acting police chief, to the position of police chief. Police the night of the accident did not subject Ross to a sobriety test and provided him a ride home. No charges were filed against Ross.

Tambasco has asked the Florida State Attorney’s Office to review his department’s handling of the Ross incident. In a press release issued last Saturday, Tambasco stated, “The Fernandina Beach Police Department is a professional organization driven by core values of partnership, integrity, and respect. We pride ourselves on our reputation for kindness, compassion, and being a helpful part of our community. The officer called to the scene did exactly what I would expect, and exactly what happens on a regular basis for citizens in similar situations.”

The 5 p.m. meeting is listed on the city website as a “One Time Event” and no agenda has been posted. However, city commissioners were notified by City Clerk Caroline Best of the topic for the meeting.