In an unexpected twist at City Hall, Fort Lauderdale City Manager Greg Chavarria threw in the towel Tuesday night, announcing his resignation during a city commission meeting, the deed done and the room left in a state of surprise including Mayor Dean Trantalis, who found himself at a rare loss for words afterward; Chavarria, who took the reins of the city's administration back in July 2022, cited the weighty need to care for ailing family members as the ground for his departure, according to Local 10 News.
"I have some ill family members that need attention and require my support and care at this time," Chavarria told the commission, affirming his commitment to family over his stewardship of the city despite feeling honored to have led Fort Lauderdale's workforce, "I'm humbled to serve this awesome role, the everyday demands leave limited time and focus for my family," he stated, promising to hang in there for the next 60 days to grease the wheels for a smooth transfer of power.
Chavarria's tenure, albeit brief, saw the city reach what he described as new heights, boasting "tremendous milestones" achieved under his directive—a legacy he gladly leaves in the city's hands as he steps away from the helm, he remarked at the meeting.
Following the bombshell news, Trantalis, usually not one short of commentary found the whole affair too stunning to address on the spot, he adjourned the meeting without further ado, leaving the dais and those in attendance to absorb the news on their own terms; this according to the Local 10 report.
