Vickie Gainer Gives Thanks And Chooses Justice

BAY COUNTY, FL – After the former City Manager of Lynn Haven, Vickie Gainer, filed a lawsuit against the City of Lynn Haven, Judy Tinder and Jamie Warrick, she spoke to those gathered outside the Bay County Courthouse, speaking about standing up for righteousness’ sake, speaking up, speaking bravely, love, justice and equality and praying that, “the courts will agree”:

“First of all, thank you all for coming out and supporting me. Thank you seems so very small but thank you. I want to first thank God and His many blessings, His covering during this very tumultuous time. I know He knows the truth and that gives me peace.

I am here today as a testimony that even during what seemed like the most challenging times for me, God has kept me. But make no mistake about this. I have been hurt. I have been humiliated, disappointed, demoralized, embarrassed, mistreated and yes, I have wept many tears. I still do weep some tears. Because when you are wronged, and you know you have been wronged, it is kind of difficult to just get over it the next day.

God has kept me and I know God will fight for me. I will give God all of the glory and honor in the future and forevermore.

I want to thank my husband who has been standing at the side of me all the way. We've been married 43 years, and I thank him for being the godly man that he is. I thank my children and grandchildren, my friends, my family, my church family, St. John, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, all of my sisters and brothers of the Divine Nine and the majority of Lynn Haven community, Black, Brown, and White, who have stood with me, by me, defending me because they know me. Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you, attorneys Scoon and Peters, for fighting this fight of justice, for the community and yes, there will be future fights to come. 

As a member of Bay County for more than 40 years, serving this community has been one of the greatest rewards of my career. As the first woman and African-American to serve as city manager for the City of Lynn Haven, I worked for this city and this community giving 200% to ensure that Lynn Haven exceeded on every level and we did.

The difficulties I have faced over the years have not been without results. We have done many great things in the city in the last six years, along with some amazing staff members. The debt reduced, stormwater improved, thriving businesses, new businesses, developments flourishing. My job as the city manager was to build up the city, to ensure that the citizens got excellent services, to make sure the citizens were protected, and to enable Lynn Haven to provide some great things within the city, to bring unity to the city of Lynn Haven and to give back to citizens through fun events and creating the ultimate quality of life. That was done. But more importantly, we made an extraordinary comeback after Hurricane Michael, from a city destroyed to a city rebuilt. Like many of you and Lynn Haven community, we were so proud of the progress we made.

Were there challenges? Yes. Hurricane Michael, investigation, indictments, the constant badgering, undermining, demeaning, discriminatory acts, mistreatment from city officials and supporters. But despite this, I put the city above self and sadly to say now, even sometimes above my family.

Am I perfect? Absolutely not. But I have tried to do what was in the best interest of this city. This lawsuit is about fairness, justice, and equality for the future of so many of you, your children, and your children's children. 

Life is full of choices or options but for me, those choices or options are very simple. Sitting down is not an option, but standing up for righteousness’ sake is the only option. Being quiet is not an option, but for me speaking up in the midst of turmoil is the only option. Being fearful is not an option. But speaking bravely, during all of the attacks is the only option to the pathway of freedom. Hate, for me, is not an option but love is the only option. Injustice should never be an option but justice and equality is the only option. For me, I have chosen the latter. I pray the courts will agree.”