In the heart of Venice, Florida, the city council convened for a pivotal special meeting on June 25, 2025, to finalize the selection of a new city manager. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as council members reflected on the qualities they sought in a leader to guide the city into the future.

After a series of interviews with six candidates, the council engaged in a thoughtful deliberation process. Mayor's comments underscored the significance of this decision, marking it as one of the most crucial in over a decade. Each council member shared their insights, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates. A consensus quickly emerged around James Clinch, an internal candidate, who was praised for his energy, leadership, and familiarity with the city.

Council members expressed their appreciation for the thoroughness of the selection process, facilitated by external consultants. Vice Mayor Bould noted the challenge of choosing between candidates with diverse backgrounds, while Councilwoman Frank highlighted the confidence gained from the interviews, emphasizing the strong internal candidate in Clinch.

As the meeting progressed, the mayor announced his nomination of Clinch for the city manager position, a decision met with unanimous support from the council. The motion to appoint Clinch and authorize the mayor to negotiate his contract was swiftly passed, signaling a collective commitment to a new chapter for Venice.

With the decision made, the council members reflected on the journey that brought them to this moment, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of all candidates. As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism for the future of Venice under Clinch's leadership, marking the beginning of a new era for the city.