Fernandina Beach City Attorney Teresa Prince resigned after receiving sharply critical performance evaluations that cited operational friction and communication breakdowns.
Fourteen of 18 reviewers gave Prince low ratings for operational effectiveness and teamwork, while 13 expressed dissatisfaction with her communication, the Fernandina Observer reported. Prince acknowledged the feedback in a written response to the Fernandina Observer.
“Upon further reflection, results indicated that my style of practicing law was not the right fit for city staff and the organization,” Prince told the Fernandina Observer. “As a result, I have decided to pursue other opportunities.”
The evaluations described concerns about staff turnover, strained working relationships, delayed legal advice, and difficulties coordinating with city departments. “Although I believe the evaluations' timing and approach were not ideal, I take the concerns seriously,” Prince wrote in a separate written response to the city, citing staffing shortages, a legal work backlog, and major litigation that demanded extensive attention.
Commissioners provided feedback on the first 360-degree evaluation
On Oct. 5, the results of the 360-degree evaluation were sent via email to commissioners and the three city charter officers, as confirmed by City Manager Sarah Campbell. Prince subsequently met individually with each commissioner to discuss her annual review.
“I greatly appreciate that each commissioner approached my charter review with respect, professionalism and provided thoughtful feedback,” Prince told the Fernandina Observer.
The 360-degree evaluation was the first of its kind used to assess Fernandina Beach charter officers. Commissioner Genece Minshew proposed adding the review during the Sept. 15 City Commission meeting after the city updated its evaluation forms.
Individual performance appraisals by Commissioners James Antun and Joyce Tuten offered more favorable assessments of Prince’s legal abilities. Antun gave Prince a rating of 3 for meeting expectations in six of eight categories and a 4 for legal, regulatory, and policy compliance. Tuten gave Prince ratings of 4 for legal compliance and risk management.
“My experience working with Ms. Prince has been overall positive with regards to her interfacing with the city commission,” Commissioner James Antun wrote.
Antun and Tuten did not respond to the Fernandina Observer’s request for comment, nor did Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue and Commissioners Tim Poynter and Genece Minshew.
Legal workload and staff departures caused departmental delays
Writing to the city’s Human Resources Department on Oct. 28, Prince said that the City Attorney post had remained vacant for roughly eight months preceding her August 2025 appointment. She said she inherited a backlog of contracts and pending legal matters.
Not long after she began her tenure, the department lost both its legal assistant and a paralegal of seven years, who moved to a different municipal role. Prince attributed departmental delays to the volume and complexity of legal work handled without an experienced assistant.
Her office managed several high-profile city controversies, including paid parking litigation, citizen-initiated ordinances, commissioner recall petitions, the proposed RYAM bioethanol facility, and the Tringali property dispute. Prince noted her office reviewed, revised, and approved more than 400 contracts during the 2025-26 fiscal year.
City Commission scheduled a vote on a proposed separation agreement
The City Commission scheduled a vote on a proposed separation agreement costing the city $73,551.60. Payout figures comprise $44,923.87 in severance compensation, $14,974.62 for unused paid time off, and $13,653.11 covering employer-paid taxes and benefits.
Under her initial employment terms, a voluntary resignation called for 90 days of notice but granted no severance pay. Prince’s original employment agreement required 90 days’ notice for a voluntary resignation but did not provide severance pay under those circumstances.
“While looking back there are certainly things I could have done differently, I am grateful that this separation is amicable and am fully focused on ensuring a smooth transition for the City,” Prince said.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Resignation
What prompted the city to conduct a 360-degree evaluation?
Commissioner Genece Minshew proposed adding the 360-degree review during the Sept. 15 City Commission meeting following updates to the city’s charter officer evaluation forms earlier in the year.
How many respondents participated in the evaluation survey?
The survey included 18 responses evaluating Prince, Campbell, and City Clerk Caroline Best across 10 performance categories.
What specific financial components make up the proposed severance package?
The arrangement valued at $73,551.60 encompasses $44,923.87 in severance pay distributed over six payments, $14,974.62 for accumulated paid time off, and $13,653.11 for employer taxes and benefits.
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