DEBARY, Fla. — The mayor of the city of DeBary is working out of his pickup instead of the new $2.53 million City Hall. Some commissioners proposed the city eliminate his office, but, instead of waiting for a vote, Mayor Bob Garcia literally hit the streets.
Mayor Bob 's office is on wheels. If someone wants to chat, he moves some boxes off the front seat. Since the city council wants to eliminate his office, and has the votes to do it, the Mayor moved out and is on the streets.
However, working out of a parking lot in the sweltering heat is not ideal.
"Let me ask you, is this professional?" Garcia asked. "Does this give a good impression or image of the city of DeBary?"
Some of his supporters have offered office space or a back booth at a DeBary diner, where there's also a petition to give the Mayor his office back.
"Petty politics yes. It doesn't get any worse than this," diner owner Allan Gochal said.
Garcia said other council members were jealous of his popularity and work ethic. His supporters say there are bigger issues facing DeBary than a tiny office in a huge building.
"I'm embarrassed, I'm embarrassed for everybody in the city," resident Ann Batson said.
The sign on the door is gone and nobody has moved into the 10-by-10 office, an office that didn't cost the city a dime. The Mayor even worked in the dark. The Mayor also has never accepted a pay check, turning down about $6,000 a year.
"No sir, not a single dime. I don't even turn the lights on," Mayor Garcia said.
Insiders say this isn't about lights, but a power struggle, or, as Mayor Garcia put it, "This is bull**** politics."
The actual vote on Mayor Garcia's office will happen Wednesday, August 4. Late Monday afternoon, the vice mayor called to tell WFTV he may pull the issue from the agenda due to all the controversy. That would allow the mayor to keep his office.
WFTV
