The Atlantic Beach City Commission voted to approve Bill Killingsworth’s sudden resignation without providing a specific reason for his departure.

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — An unexpected changing of the guard in Atlantic Beach.

City Manager Bill Killingsworth abruptly resigned at a special meeting Tuesday night.

Several community members went up before the city commission to ask what prompted the departure, but the meeting ended with the resignation request approved without any specific answer as to why Killingsworth is moving on.

“I think, everyone here, it’s a demonstration of love,” said Concerned Citizen Carolyn Zisser during public comment.

 A room full of Atlantic Beach community members spent parts of Tuesday’s meeting touting the accomplishments of Bill Killingsworth, who has helped run the city as city manager since September 2023.

Several speakers referenced Killingsworth’s work in upgrading the old lifeguard tower, adding stormwater improvements in Aquatic Gardens and helping to secure and renovate Marsh Oaks to become a new community center.

Person after person expressed their shock at the 24-hour notice for a meeting to consider Killingsworth’s resignation.

“Smacks of being rushed and just a little off,” said one concerned citizen. 

“I’m just very sorry this happened,” added another. 

“What really went on that caused your leaving?” asked Zisser. 

City leaders didn’t provide a specific reason — nothing about a new job opportunity, a personal life issue or job performance issue — for Killingsworth’s sudden departure.

“It’s not based on a specific failing,” said Mayor Curtis Ford. “This is about, ‘Where is the city going? What are the needs of the city going forward?'”

Ford shared he had a conversation with Killingsworth before the city manager made his decision.

“I don’t want to use the word amicable, but this is not an adversarial resignation,” said Ford. 

Several commissioners mentioned they talked with Killingsworth to help inform their decisions.

“I’m supporting it because Bill asked me to,” said Commissioner Thomas Grant.

Commissioner Candace Kelly was the only one to vote against it, concerned the mayor knew more than the commission about the reason for his departure.

“Why are you the only one who got to negotiate about this mysterious and sudden change in direction?” Kelly asked Ford. “There’s a lack of transparency. We operate in the sunshine.”

Ultimately, Killingsworth left with one final word for his constituents.

“I’ve learned a great deal, and I truly appreciate your friendship and support,” said Killingsworth. “I have great confidence in the city’s staff and the city’s ability to move forward successfully. Thank you.”

Killingsworth will stay in his post through Friday before Deputy City Manager Kevin Hogencamp is slated to take over in the interim.

Hogencamp shared the following statement on Killingsworth’s resignation:

“Mr. Killingsworth has served our city with capability and nobility, and we wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward. As for the city’s operations, our priority remains the residents. We are moving forward diligently to carry on the city’s business and ensure our community’s needs continue to be met without interruption.”

The city commission will meet Monday to discuss what the search for a new city manager will look like.