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St. Johns County administrator suddenly leaves job

Hunter Conrad was criticized last week during a commission meeting, three months after his contract was renewed. Early Thursday afternoon, the meeting was canceled

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — First Coast News, On Your Side has confirmed with multiple sources that one of St. Johns County's highest-ranking officials, Hunter Conrad, has left the position of County Administrator Thursday. 

County Commissioner Henry Dean says he wishes Conrad well. 

Conrad's job appeared to be on the line when an emergency meeting was scheduled to take place Friday. However, early Thursday afternoon, it was suddenly canceled. 

An emergency meeting for the St. Johns County Commission had been scheduled for Friday, June 30th at 2 p.m.  The county's website stated the purpose of the meeting "will be to consider the existing Professional Services Agreement Between Hunter S. Conrad and St. Johns County, Florida."

Hunter's contract was renewed in March 2023 with some commissioners singing his praises.

During last week's commission meeting, Commission Sarah Arnold stated she had concerns about the communication within county staff. She called out Conrad, without specifically stating his name. Commission Chair Christian Whitehurst asked Conrad during the meeting if he would like to comment.

Conrad told commissioners he had never heard there was a concern with his job performance Arnold said something minutes prior during that meeting. He said he never restricted information from being delivered.  

Thursday, Dean told First Coast News that it's unclear what the next steps will be to fill the position, but he would encourage a search for the best candidate. There most likely will be an interim County Administrator until the position is permanently filled. 

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