County Attorney’s Contract Voided with Just Cause
A tense special meeting of the Jackson County Commission ended with the termination of County Attorney Michelle Jordan and a vote to file a Florida Bar complaint against her. The meeting opened with Vice-Chair Paul Donofro reading a statement prepared by Chairman Jamey Westbrook, asserting that Jordan had taken positions “directly adverse to the county,” creating what outside counsel described as “a clear, unwavable conflict of interest.” The statement argued that Florida’s professional conduct rules prohibit an attorney from representing a client while simultaneously pursuing claims against that same client, calling Jordan’s recent actions “fundamentally incompatible with her ethical duties.”
Commissioner Dr. Willie Spires questioned whether the meeting was even valid, saying he was “very uncomfortable” with the short notice and asking whether the public had been properly informed. County Administrator Jim Dean said the meeting met the legal requirement of “reasonable notice,” and attorney Susan Gainey, representing the Florida League of Cities, noted at least ten past special meetings had been called in the same manner. Still, Spires insisted, “I question the legality of the meeting,” and withdrew from participation.
Commissioner Edward Crutchfield expressed reservations about moving against Jordan, saying, “At this point I can’t point no finger,” and suggesting Jordan may have been limited in what she could publicly discuss. Public commenter Shana Thorpe also challenged the county’s claim of urgency, asking what required the matter to be handled immediately when “the Florida League of Cities came involved in September.” Jordan herself pushed back strongly against Gainey’s statements, saying, “No, this is not urgent… I contacted FACT back in September… nothing about that has changed except that you have not done your investigation.” When exchanges grew heated, Chairman Westbrook urged decorum, telling Jordan, “Talk like a lady… we’re gonna be civil.”
Gainey responded that Jordan had filed a “formal written claim” on September 25 and later submitted a second whistleblower complaint, stating that any dispute over her actions “will be litigated in a court of law.” Thorpe pressed Gainey on whether Jordan’s reports were within her official duties and whether any ethics complaint had been filed with the Florida Bar, but Gainey declined to discuss those issues publicly.
After discussion, Donofro moved to terminate Jordan’s contract for cause, citing the alleged conflict of interest. The motion passed 3–1, with Crutchfield opposed and Spires absent. Jordan warned the commission that multiple legal matters were pending: “You all have a jury trial scheduled for the first week of March… just because you terminate my contract doesn’t mean that a judge lets me out of the case.” Gainey countered that Jordan would be required to assist with transition under her contract, insisting, “We will assume that you will abide by your legal and ethical obligations.”
In a final action, the board voted 3–1 to file a Florida Bar complaint against Jordan, again with Crutchfield opposed. Jordan received 20 days of pay as outlined in her contract, but left the meeting raising questions about how the county will manage its immediate legal deadlines.
