Edgewater's Leadership Shake-Up: New Interim City Manager Named!

Edgewater, Florida, USA - In the quaint town of Edgewater, Florida, a fresh breeze of change has blown through the city government, stirring up the waters in local leadership. As of now, Joe Mahoney, who has served the Edgewater Police Department for a commendable 23 years and held the position of police chief since 2018, has been appointed interim city manager. His transition comes as Jeffrey Thurman steps down from that role to take over as interim public works director, marking another chapter in the evolving landscape of city leadership. This transition aims to strengthen the city’s management during what has been a time of political strife—something that Edgewater has grappled with for over a decade. The previous city manager, Glenn Irby, was fired in September 2024 after a tumultuous tenure.

Mahoney’s ability to lead has garnered significant trust from city officials, who are optimistic about his decision-making prowess during this interim period. Meanwhile, Charles Geiger, a seasoned Police Captain with the department since 2011, steps into the role of interim police chief, further solidifying the continuity of leadership within the police department. “[Headlinesurfer] reports that…” a city spokesperson expressed confidence in both Mahoney’s and Geiger’s capabilities as they navigate these changes in local governance.

Mahoney’s Legacy and Challenges

Joe Mahoney’s roots in the Edgewater community run deep. Initially appointed as police chief during a challenging time—in the aftermath of the resignation of former public safety director David Arcieri amid an investigation—Mahoney has shown tremendous resilience. Not only did he step into the interim police chief role back in November before his permanent appointment, but he also led a department of 36 members, including 31 sworn officers. The City Council had to waive the residency requirement for him, paving the way for his promotion. During that time, he emphasized the importance of community engagement and proactive policing, which resonated well with residents. „Mahoney deserves the permanent position,“ noted then-City Manager Irby in a statement. Mahoney was paid $89,980 annually, reflecting his experience and commitment to the local law enforcement community, as highlighted by a report from News-Journal Online.

The Future Looks Bright with New Leadership

Fast forward to 2025, and Edgewater has made another significant step in its law enforcement leadership by hiring Randy McNitt as the new Chief of Police. McNitt brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as a Police Commander for the Lakewood Police Department for the past eight years. With an impressive background of over 27 years in law enforcement, complete with a Law Degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, he is already making waves as a reputable instructor in essential areas like Ethics, Anti-Biased Policing, and Use of Force. His training through the FBI National Academy further bolsters his credentials, and he is expected to bring valuable skills and insight to the Edgewater Police Department.

McNitt’s arrival is seen as a beacon of hope, aiming to restore faith in the local police while managing the sensitive transition in city governance. As he takes the reins, residents are hopeful for fresh perspectives in community policing and a renewed commitment to maintaining peace and safety in Edgewater. It’s not just about the past; the future seems promising with leaders like Mahoney and McNitt at the helm of change.

For more on the latest developments, be sure to check out the full story at Edgewater Echo and learn more about Mahoney’s journey through Headlinesurfer.