LARGO â Longtime city Recreation, Parks and Arts Director Joan Byrne lashed out at city administration in a lengthy email July 27 after her sudden termination. I speak not in bitterness but in concern. My firing is unusual enough to warrant independent review, she wrote to commissioners.
In an email to city employees July 27, City Manager Henry Schubert wrote that he has lost confidence that Byrne is able to uphold the role of leadership including promoting the good of the whole, demonstrating collaboration across departments and divisions, and inspiring trust both internally and externally in the community.
Schubert wrote that firing Byrne was a very difficult decision for him and not the result of any one singular incident, adding that he is grateful for the years of service and the successes achieved by the Recreation Department during her tenure.
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LARGO â The diving tower at Southwest Recreation Complex has had its ups and downs over many years, but city officials may be giving the structure some TLC so it can be used again.
Mayor Woody Brown said he believes the commission frequently looks for things that makes the city better, unique and a community of choice. I think this is something (that) ⦠sets us apart from any other city on the west coast of Florida, he said.
He added that the city has done little maintenance to the tower in 37 years.
Several representatives of aquatic teams and others urged city commissioners March 2 to repair and reopen the platform. It was shut down about a year ago at the same time the Southwest Pool was closed due to COVID-19.