Lynn Haven City Manager Terminated in Contentious 4-1 Vote

LYNN HAVEN, FL — In a packed special meeting on July 18, 2025, the Lynn Haven City Commission voted 4-1 to terminate City Manager Vickie Gainer, capping a tumultuous session marked by heated public debate and a series of failed motions. The decision followed allegations of bid rigging leveled against Gainer in a lawsuit, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also investigating the matter.

Earlier in the week on Monday, commissioners, in a 4-1 vote, placed Gainer on administrative leave to address concerns raised in a deposition tied to the lawsuit. To gather more information, the commission interviewed city employees this week, who were familiar with the events.

Today’s meeting started with Commissioner Warrick initially moving to add an agenda item to discuss the process after removing the city manager. The City Attorney provided clarification on the process, leading Warrick to shift gears and to move for the immediate termination of City Manager Vickie Gainer. This motion was quickly seconded, setting the stage for a heated public comment period. During this time, the public voiced a range of opinions: some praised Gainer’s past contributions to Lynn Haven, while others raised serious concerns about ongoing issues within the city government. The meeting room was packed with both residents and non-residents, many of whom expressed strong support for Gainer. Tensions ran high as some residents brought up the ongoing “Recall Mayor Nelson” movement, and one individual went further, publicly calling for the recall of Commissioners Warrick and Tinder, adding to the charged atmosphere.

Mayor Nelson attempted to steer the discussion toward reinstating Gainer or maintaining her paid administrative leave, but both motions failed to gain a second. Commissioner Peebles proposed suspending Gainer without pay pending the FDLE investigation and litigation and reimburse her should she be cleared of all misdoings, a move met with public disapproval. Residents argued that such a decision could lead to higher costs for the city in the long term. The motion failed, with Peebles and Commissioner Perno voting yes, while Commissioners Warrick, Tinder, and Mayor Nelson voted no.

Commissioner Peebles offered a measured perspective, stating, “Through our investigation, there have been some things that have come to light. I can’t talk about all of it, but some of it has been alarming, but she has done a lot of great things too.” His words captured the complexity of the situation, balancing Gainer’s record with the gravity of the allegations.

A five-minute recess for a bathroom break did little to cool tempers, as arguments erupted among those remaining in the chamber. Upon reconvening, the commission moved decisively: a motion to terminate Gainer’s employment passed 4-1, with Mayor Nelson casting the lone dissenting vote. The decision came after three hours of public testimony, ensuring a broad range of perspectives were heard.

Watch the full meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/live/e7w5JhqVJ8c