Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby to Transition to Full-Time Public Works Director

Police Chief John Cosby will step down from his role with the Bradenton Beach Police Department later this year and transition into a full-time position as the city’s public works director following approval from the city commission.

The transition was announced by Mayor John Chappie during the May 21 city commission meeting and unanimously approved by commissioners. Cosby is expected to begin serving exclusively as public works director at the start of the city’s 2026-27 fiscal year on Oct. 1.

Cosby has served with the Bradenton Beach Police Department for 38 years and has also been acting as the city’s public works director for approximately two years after former director Tom Woodard vacated the position in May 2024.

City leaders praised Cosby’s work overseeing public works operations while continuing his duties as police chief and emergency operations manager. Chappie said Cosby’s proactive leadership style, institutional knowledge and familiarity with contractors and city operations made him the right fit for the role.

The commission approved a first-year salary of $122,000 for the position.

Commissioners Scott Bear, Ralph Cole and Debbie Scaccianoce all voiced support for the transition, citing the importance of retaining Cosby’s decades of experience and leadership within the city government. Commissioners also noted his ongoing role in emergency management operations and his involvement with city redevelopment initiatives.

Cosby recently received statewide recognition for his emergency response leadership during and after the 2024 hurricanes, earning the Chad Reed First Responder Award at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference on May 14.

The city plans to begin advertising for a new police chief in early August with hopes of appointing a replacement in September ahead of the new fiscal year. Cosby is expected to remain police chief until a successor is hired and transitions into the role.

During the meeting, Cosby told commissioners that Lt. Lenard Diaz, currently the department’s second-in-command, is not interested in pursuing the chief position at this time, though that could change in the coming months.

City officials also said Cosby is expected to remain available to support and assist the incoming police chief during the transition period.