The City Commission of Dunedin convened on July 3, 2025, to address significant issues affecting the community, including a recent high-profile theft incident that has drawn public attention. The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in honor of the upcoming Independence Day, setting a reflective tone for the discussions that followed.

A key focus of the meeting was the introduction of Sheriff Terry, who provided an update on a scam that resulted in the city losing over $500,000. The theft, which occurred in June 2024, involved a sophisticated email scam that exploited the city’s business relationship with a paving company. The scammers impersonated city employees through fraudulent email addresses, convincing a city employee to switch from traditional paper checks to electronic fund transfers. This led to a substantial sum being transferred to a bank account controlled by an individual named George Barlow, who was later arrested in Utah.

Sheriff Terry emphasized that the investigation revealed no wrongdoing on the part of city employees, stating that the city was a victim of a well-organized crime. He explained how the scammers used slight alterations in email addresses to deceive city officials, making it difficult to detect the fraud. Despite the city having safeguards in place, the sophistication of the scam allowed it to bypass these measures.

The sheriff noted that while a portion of the stolen funds had been recovered, the investigation into the broader network of scammers remains ongoing. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the anonymity of online fraudsters, which complicates efforts to trace the origins of such scams. The sheriff reassured the commission that they would continue to pursue leads, although many investigations often hit dead ends due to the nature of online fraud.

Commissioners expressed their concerns and frustrations regarding the incident, recognizing the prevalence of such scams in today’s digital landscape. The discussions highlighted the need for increased vigilance and improved security measures to protect the city from future incidents.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of community awareness regarding online scams and the necessity for ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity protocols within city operations. As the investigation continues, the city remains committed to safeguarding its financial resources and ensuring accountability for those involved in the crime.