Following a stroke on Monday, St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Shaver announced Thursday she is stepping down effective immediately.
City Manager John Regan has called a special meeting to address the vacancy for Monday at 9 a.m. The City of St. Augustine’s charter specifies that the remaining members of the City Commission have 10 days to fill the mayor’s seat. If not accomplished in that time frame, Gov. Ron DeSantis has the authority to make the appointment.
Shaver said in an email to WJCT News she is stepping down in order to concentrate on her recovery, saying it appears her health will no longer allow her to continue to serve.
“Serving each and every one of you as Mayor of this magic city has been an amazing gift. I have been overwhelmed by your support and caring this week and throughout my years as Mayor,” said Shaver.
“Her passion, vision and complete dedication to her elected position will be missed, and we all wish her a fast recovery to complete health,” said Regan.
Shaver was elected Mayor of St. Augustine in 2014 and reelected in 2016 and 2018. She suffered the stroke at City Hall shortly after a meeting of the St. Augustine City Commission.
Recently Shaver has been focusing on preparing St. Augustine for the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, asking the federal government to help pay for a $3 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study on sea level rise and flooding.
In January, Shaver went to Washington D.C. to speak with Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. John Rutherford, Rep. Michael Waltz and the staff of Rep. Stephanie Murphy to ask for support as the city looks to acquire federal funding for what’s known as a back bay feasibility study.
Monday’s meeting will be in The Alcazar Room, City Hall, 75 King St. and is open to the public.
In stepping down, Shaver remained upbeat, writing, “Sometime soon I hope to see you along the waterfront or playing the washboard at Mi Casa Café.”
Cards or sentiments of support for Shaver can sent to the city in care of the City Manager’s Office at 75 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 or emailed to cosa@CityStAug.com.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
