ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — At the end of the St. Johns County Commission meeting Tuesday, commission chairperson Krista Joseph proposed a surprise that shocked the room. 

She suggested a vote of no confidence for the County Administrator, Joy Andrews. Andrews holds the highest ranking non-elected position in the county, in charge of day-to-day operations.  Ultimately, the vote failed, and Andrews retained her job. 

Joseph read from a several-pages-long document, outlining why she feels Andrews is not fit for the job. She cited the trash/recycling hauler situation earlier in the year, the lack of increased impact fees, and the commission’s recent vote to make it harder to oust a county administrator.

Joseph also noted her own proposed tree ordinance, which received large public support. She said just before the commission voted on it last year, Andrews interjected, suggesting the trees protection proposals could be addressed in the comprehensive plan later in the year. However, they were not. 

Seemingly shocked, commissioners Christian Whitehurst and Sarah Arnold spoke in glowing support of Andrews. 

Whitehurst said of Arnold’s four years on the job, “She has served with courage.” He said Andrews has never influenced his votes, only provided more information.  Whitehurst said, “You’re upset with policy decisions” that he and other commissioners made. He added, “Don’t take it out on Ms. Andrews.”

Arnold agreed with Whitehurst and said to Joseph, “You’re angry at policy. These are bullets aimed at us, not at Ms. Andrews.” Arnold added, “I think we’re in the best hands possible” with Andrews. “This seems personal.”

In the end, the vote of no confidence failed, 2-3. Commissioner Ann Taylor voted to support the no-confidence vote. Whitehurst, Arnold and Commissioner Clay Murphy voted against the no-confidence vote, in support of Andrews.