Will McKannay was the unanimous Town Council choice to replace the departing Andy Hyatt as Fort Myers Beach Town Manager back on Friday, April 18th. This week he agreed to contract terms with the town.
The final step is for the Town Council to ratify the contract at their May 5th meeting, which is also expected to be unanimous. McKannay plans to be on the job Monday, May 19th, which is the date of the second town council meeting of the month. There’s expected to be about a month overlap with Hyatt staying on an extra month, or as long as McKannay needs, to help make this a smooth transition.
McKannay told Beach Talk Radio News Wednesday, that he’s honored by the selection and confidence shown in him. “I’m eager to contribute to the rebuilding efforts and help restore the community. My wife, Deidre, and I are thrilled to be joining and look forward to getting involved.”
McKannay is a former Commander in the U.S. Army in Fort Riley, Kansas. After the vote on April 18th, McKannay got a feel for the community, attending a Friday night sunset concert on the Margaritaville terrace where Hyatt and Mayor Dan Allers introduced him to many local residents who were enjoying TC & The Troublemakers along with special guest Jay Allen.
We’ve requested a copy of the contract from the town but have not received it yet. We do know it’s for 2 years, through May of 2027. Hyatt’s salary was a little under $200,000 per year.
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Will’s likely to ruffle some feathers, but that’s what happens when you go by the book. Hopefully his military background elicits less wishy-washy regarding what’s done for one, but not the other. And, less ‘warnings and notices’ and more timely action.
Welcome to our beautiful beach!
It’s always seemed strange to me how so many people simply accept what their political leaders tell them, how seldom they’re curious, little interested in knowing more. Especially at the local level and on this island.
That is just so alien to me as a journalist, why they seem so content not knowing what may be behind the curtain, out of sight and sound during the runup of the most important decisions by elected boards holding such enormous power over their lives, money and property.
This ain’t Exxon Oil Company over there at Town Hall. It’s the public’s business. Your business.
I have a good feeling Will will be a fantastic fit for our town. Thank you for your service to our country and now our community!
Welcome Will, Best of luck . Hoping your military background will add some much needed process , standards, disciple and execution and get FMB day to day operations to standards that all residents and guests can be proud of .
Thank you for accepting this challenge
Seems to me an awful lot of questions/answers may have been skipped over in this process.
Due diligence should run deep when forking over $200,000 plus bennies in a public funded salary.
Touchy/Feely doesn’t always end well. Those private interviews each council member had with the finalists don’t reveal what was asked, what was answered or whether they were supplied deep background on each applicant.
How can you make these comments of inadequacy in the interview process? Were you involved? Let’s trust our town leaders and if they goofed, then raise a stink. Random assessment of processes without in depth knowledge is just wrong. Welcome our new manager!
Patrick Sweeney
Yeah, let’s wait till the damage is done and then complain. A strange process.
And BTW I have a lot of experience with government faiures left concealed in the dark.
Like failing to go deep in due diligences.
We are so excited to welcome Will and Deidre to the FMB Community!