St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry is stepping down from his position to move across the state to lead Longboat Key, a small island that spans Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Landry will be leaving his St. Lucie post in mid-August and is set to start his new job as town manager on Sept. 14.
He was unanimously approved to lead the small island town at a special meeting of the Longboat Key Commission early last week. He was described by Longboat Key commissioners as “an excellent fit” and “a competent leader,” and as having “a great background.”
Landry’s salary at Longboat Key is set at $255,000, a $25,000 cut from his current position.
Landry was recommended for the job by former St. Lucie County Administrator Howard N. Tipton, who is retiring from his position as Longboat Key’s town manager.
“He is truly going to be missed. Not only by this current Board of Commissioners, but also the staff that he has directed in his position,” said St. Lucie County Commissioner Erin Lowry.
“He was an incredible leader and has set high expectations for the next administrator to follow. We have not had an opportunity as a board to discuss what the next steps will be, however I am confident that our Deputy Administrator Mayte Santamaria will do an incredible job as interim until we all can discuss what the next steps are for us collectively as a team.”
“He is the kind of leader who is always the first on the scene and last to leave. He will be missed,” said county Communications Director Erick Gill.
Landry told county department directors about his resignation on June 17 at their monthly director’s meeting, and he talked to the commissioners individually prior to that announcement, said Gill.
“As of this time the board has not discussed the future administrator,” said Commissioner Cathy Townsend last week. “July 7th will be our first BOCC meeting since his resignation was given. I am sure it will be discussed at this meeting.”
According to Gill, the commission will have to decide whether to launch a national search or to look within. Landry recommended appointing Santamaria as interim county administrator until after the November election.
Calling Landry’s bio modest, Gill said, “George led St. Lucie County through the deadliest storm in recent history (Hurricane Milton) … George’s leadership helped unincorporated residents and businesses keep our contract with Waste Pro where we were able to continue serving our residents with twice-a-week pickups. While we were still negotiating with various airlines, George was able to make sure the airport received the proper certification to allow for commercial service, which has been something the county has been working on for several years.”
Landry began as county administrator in 2023 but has been a county employee and worked in various leadership positions since 2013. He is also retired from the United States Army, where he earned two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He served for 20 years.