Commentary: Farewell, Dale Martin. Flagler Beach Is Lucky

On Friday, July 14, 2023, former Fernandina Beach City Manager Dale Martin was hired on a unanimous vote of 6-0 to be the next city manager of Flagler Beach, a coastal Atlantic city located between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.  He will report to his new job — and new community — on July 31.

Flagler’s city commissioners seemed downright giddy at being able to hire Martin, who was in finalist interviews for two other Florida cities.  On  July 15, the news blog Spot On Florida reported:  “The Flagler Beach City Commission today voted to hire Dale Martin, the city manager in Fernandina Beach for seven years until last March, as its next city manager. If each commissioner could vote twice for him, that's what would have happened: he was that acclaimed.”

Another blog quoted City Commissioner Scott Spradley: “I feel this is an awesome step forward for Flagler Beach. Dale’s significant experience in Fernandina Beach with coastal community hurricane recovery efforts and with his successful track record with FEMA are but two strengths in his background that will benefit Flagler Beach. I am very excited for our community to have Dale on board.”

As many here have said, Fernandina’s loss is Flagler’s gain.

During my 29 years of residence in Fernandina Beach, I have seen many city managers come and go.  Their departures were for the most part due to the political whims of the seated commissioners and their “kitchen cabinets.”  In most cases the terminations were not a surprise.  But that mold was broken with the firing of Dale Martin.

Martin holds the modern day record for length of time served.  During his 8 years in Fernandina Beach, he served under several different city commissions.  He hired excellent department directors.  His persistence was key in getting the city a new general aviation airport terminal, which has attracted positive attention among members of the aviation community both locally and statewide.

That determination was even more evident in the protracted but ultimately successful negotiations with FEMA to reimburse the city for damages caused by Hurricane Matthew.  Last year he brought to the commission a new salary plan that finally produced a living wage for employees who had been making less than fast food restaurant staff.

Martin took his direction from the city commission, which convened in a strategic planning session early each year.  He ended the past practice of “ad hoc-ism” by revamping the manner in which commission agendas were addressed, requiring both commissioners and staff to avoid dumping issues on the commission at the last minute.

Work was undertaken to study and prioritize fixes and replacements of beach boardwalks and dune crossovers, a project that had been kicked down the road for many years.  Long overdue work to construct a seawall along the Amelia River began. Work to open the Alachua Street rail crossing is imminent.

To show his commitment to getting things done, Martin kept a couple of rusty, dented tin cans on his desk.  He was determined to end the can-kicking delays in facing the city’s many capital needs.

While citizens always had the opportunity to attend meetings or follow the city on social media (another Martin accomplishment) he engaged with the community by writing weekly columns that were published in both print and electronic media. In those columns he explained the intricacies of budgeting, the status of marina repairs and other ongoing city projects.

In his off time he instituted something he called a “Citizens Academy,” to help people understand how local government works, and who does what in the bureaucracy.  These programs were generally over-subscribed.  He was looking forward to another series this fall,

Dale was involved in the community outside of government, too.  He initiated the custom of Community Christmas dinners, encouraging citizens to bring a dish while he provided turkey and ham.  The dinners were held at the Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) dining room, with leftovers being distributed to other agencies that serve residents.  Dale was, and at this time remains, a faithful volunteer at the NCCOA.

He has been an active member of First Presbyterian Church, where he also sings in the choir.

And did I mention that he is also a member of a barbershop quartet?

At any special holiday or event honoring service members you could always spot Dale, usually wearing his American Legion cap.  He was also the first to volunteer to help out on the city’s annual recycling day.  He didn’t mind getting his hands dirty.

Dale was a city manager who loved his job and his city.  And for the most part ,that feeling was reciprocated by the residents and businesses and non-profits in Fernandina Beach.  His abrupt termination, instigated by three of the city’s five commissioners, sent shock waves through the community.  Those three have never explained why that action was called for.  And I doubt that they ever will.

Recruiting a new city manager for Fernandina Beach is underway, but Dale Martin left big shoes to fill.  Time will tell, with an election coming up next year, whether the voters also want a commission change.

Best wishes for a long and productive tenure in Flagler Beach, Dale Martin!  Sorry you couldn’t stay here in Fernandina Beach longer.  Flagler Beach will benefit from Fernandina Beach’s folly.