Clearwater mayor abruptly resigns

Mayor Frank Hibbard unexpectedly announced his immediate resignation during a Clearwater City Council budget discussion Monday morning.

Hibbard told his colleagues he needed a five-minute recess less than an hour into the work session. When he returned, he said it was time to make one of the toughest decisions of his life – but one that he felt was right.

Following a brief explanation, Hibbard packed his things and left his fellow council members visibly shocked.

“I’m not a quitter, but I’m not the right leader for this council any more,” Hibbard said. “In good conscience for my family, my health and other things, I can’t remain the mayor.”

City officials discussed their budget priorities before he abruptly resigned. Among those was $90 million for a new City Hall and municipal services complex.

The project has a $60 million funding deficit, and Hibbard was the only person on the dais to push back against the expenditure. He later expressed his concern with the city’s direction under the council.

“This is simple math,” Hibbard said. “And we’re not doing very well on the test.

“I know this is shocking, but I’m the wrong guy right now.”

Mayor Frank Hibbard (back left) stunned his colleagues when he packed up and walked away from the dais Monday morning. Screengrab.

Hibbard was completing the last year of a four-year term as Clearwater’s mayor. He also served two terms as the city’s council chair, from 2004 to 2012.

However, Hibbard previously pledged not to seek reelection – or any other public office – when his mayoral term ends in 2024. He relayed that he called his wife during the break and said she was also shocked to hear his decision.

“It’s been more and more obvious to me that as much as I love the city, and as much as I want to stick around for some of the things that are going to occur over the next couple of months, I am simply not the right person to be here.”

Hibbard credited his colleagues for seeing Imagine Clearwater to fruition. The $84 million redevelopment of Coachman Park opens June 28.

He also expressed his faith in new City Manager Jennifer Poirrier, as Hibbard’s resignation represents Clearwater’s second high-profile departure in just over two months.

Councilmembers fired former city manager Jon Jennings in January after one year on the job. They appointed Poirrier to fill his role earlier this month.

Hibbard recommended that the council appoint “Hoyt” as interim mayor. Hoyt Hamilton is a former city council member who left office last year after winning $1 million in the Powerball lottery in 2021.

“You’re going to have to appoint somebody who doesn’t want to be the next mayor,” Hibbard added.

Despite his apparent frustration, Hibbard said he enjoyed his colleagues’ company “in different ways.” He also called Clearwater’s staff “first-class people who are incredibly dedicated to this city.”

“Thank you all, and God bless you and this city,” Hibbard said. “I wish you all the best. Thank you for all you’ve been to me.”

Vice Mayor Kathleen Beckman then called a recess. When the council returned, she said she was “shell-shocked” over the news.

However, she noted that city officials still needed the council’s direction on budget priorities.

“I’m just as surprised as anyone,” Beckman said. “But the work goes on.”