Bradenton Beach City Attorney Announces Immediate Retirement Amid Ongoing Allegations
Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry announced her immediate retirement during today’s city commission meeting, bringing an end to more than two decades of service with the city. The decision comes as commissioners were weighing concerns raised in recent weeks regarding her handling of a complaint involving local businesses.
Perry read a lengthy, emotional statement before the commission, thanking city staff, elected officials, and community members she worked alongside throughout her career. She said she has decided to step away to spend more time with her family in South Carolina, noting that she has already missed too many irreplaceable family moments during her years of service.
The announcement follows a September 16 workshop where commissioners discussed her performance after allegations surfaced that she had identified Drift-In owner Derek Williams as the source of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) violation report against the Anna Maria Oyster Bar. FDEP records later indicated no such complaint was filed, and that the violation was discovered during a routine inspection.
At that meeting, Perry argued she had not been provided adequate notice to respond to the accusations, while commissioners voiced concerns about fairness and transparency. Several commissioners and Mayor John Chappie agreed at the time to delay any decision until Perry could prepare a full response.
Public comment over the past several weeks has reflected sharp divisions, with some residents and business owners calling for her termination and others praising her leadership, particularly during recovery efforts following recent hurricanes.
By announcing her retirement, Perry has closed the matter before further action by the commission. The city has not yet announced the next steps regarding the appointment of an interim or permanent replacement.
