FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Less than two weeks after community members called for the resignation of Fernandina Beach City Manager Ty Ross for allegedly riding and crashing a bike while drunk, the city announced Ross' resignation effective immediately on Saturday.
The city announced Ross' resignation on social media Saturday, along with the appointment of Deputy City Manager/Engineer Charles L. George to serve as interim city manager for the time being.
"Mr. George will ensure that the City's critical and essential services are delivered without interruption, that present and future City projects continue to move forward, and that citizens are represented with professionalism and integrity," the city said in a statement on Facebook. "The City of Fernandina Beach wishes Mr. Ross success with future endeavors."
Ross' resignation comes after he was accused of drunkenly crashing his bicycle in Fernandina Beach on Oct. 29 and was then driven home by police.
Police were called by residents who said they saw Ross rolling around in the grass on the side of South 14th Street and Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach.
"I thought he got hit, he was laying in the grass," said one of the bystanders on body camera footage. "I went up and talked to him, he's either drunk or stoned or both."
While Ross admitted he was out drinking, the responding officer did not have Ross complete a breathalyzer test and did not issue Ross a citation.
"Although biking under the influence is unlawful in the state of Florida, he [Ross] was not given a breathalyzer," said one community member at a city commission meeting on Dec. 5.
Other community members argued Ross was given special treatment by police because he had promoted the interim police chief just days before the incident.
"Was there any citation issued? If not, why?" asked one community member. "Would that happen to a normal person?"
Fernandina Beach Police Chief Jeffrey Tambasco said the responding officer determined there were no criminal charges to report and that department policy was followed.
"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," Tambasco said in a statement.
Community members argued that Ross lacked transparency with city leaders by failing to report the incident the next day.
"Nothing was shared with this city commission until a public request was made for records," said one member of the community.
"The city manager should have addressed this incident immediately," said another community member, "and gotten ahead of this, rather than leaving the question in citizens' minds, of how well the city manager can lead city employees."
During the meeting, Ross apologized for his actions and said he thought he was being responsible by biking instead of driving while under the influence.
"Life is tough. I encountered stress I've never felt before in my life. I moved to a new state, took a new job without my support system," Ross said. "I've sought professional help for myself. I learned through talking to professionals that I was using maladaptive coping strategies, social lubrications in settings that I was trying to make friends and be funny and I overdid it, I goofed."
Ross started the role as city manager less than two weeks before the alleged incident. It is unclear when the city will appoint a permanent city manager.