By WNZF News

BUNNELL, FL – As Flagler County prepares for the departure of its top administrator, a new potential landing spot has emerged for Heidi Petito.

During a recent appearance on Free For All Friday, Flagler County Clerk of the Court Tom Bexley confirmed reports first published by Flagler Live that he is interested in hiring Petito once she leaves her current post.

“I’m probably just one of many people that’s lining up to try to hire her right now,” Bexley told WNZF’s David Ayres.

Petito, who has served as County Administrator since October 2021, tendered her resignation earlier this month following a period of friction with the Board of County Commissioners. While her resignation is officially slated for July 14, 2026—allowing her to oversee the upcoming budget cycle—the timeline for her exit remains a point of contention among commissioners.

Bexley expressed frustration over the current “hedging” by the board regarding Petito’s departure. He urged the commissioners to take decisive action to resolve the leadership transition.

“If you’ve got a county administrator that doesn’t want to be there, and you’ve got a board of county commissioners that doesn’t want her there, I would say board, get off your ass and do something,” Bexley said. He suggested the board name an interim, “cut her loose,” and allow both parties to move forward so the county can resume its work.

Despite the public interest in her future, Bexley emphasized that no official hiring decision has been made at this time.

Petito’s departure marks a significant shift in county leadership. Her resignation followed poor job evaluations from three of the five commissioners, despite 16 years of service to the county. Under her separation agreement, she is set to receive a severance package exceeding $100,000, including 20 weeks of salary and tuition reimbursement.

The County Commission is expected to hold workshops in the near future to begin the search for her replacement.