By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY
christopher.tuffley@newssun.com
AVON PARK -- City Manager Sarah Adelt confirmed to the News-Sun Thursday morning that she is stepping down in order to accept a position in Frostproof as city clerk.
She expects her last day to be Nov. 23, the day of the regular city council monthly meeting.
"I wasn't looking," Adelt said. "This opportunity presented itself to me."
She added that the move had nothing to do with the city.
"I love Avon Park," she said. "I love the staff, I love the city council. I've been here 11 years and I will always have a special place in my heart for Avon Park.
"But my Lord, Jesus Christ, is always number one and comes first. I've been studying His word and credit a Sunday class and a book -- 'Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.'
"It's just closing a chapter and opening a new one. It's about joy and peace."
Mayor Sharon Schuler praised Adelt.
"She has done a good job as city manager," Schuler said. "She overcame a lot of obstacles and met them face on. We'll be sorry to see her go, but she needs to follow her heart. We wish her well."
City council member George Hall echoed Schuler's thoughts.
"I hate to see her go. I think she's done a ton of progress for the city. I wish her the best. Being at the top isn't easy. Frostproof's gain will be our loss."
Both Schuler and Hall said the city council would have to meet to decide on the immediate future. Both expect a special meeting to be called.
Hall, in particular, felt the timing was excellent. The outgoing council could get the position advertised, he said, so the incoming council would have a pool of candidates to chose from.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 - www.newssun.com/1113-ct-Adelt