Neptune Beach city manager being accused of creating toxic work environment

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla — A Neptune Beach City manager is in hot water after a city councilmember claimed he has created a toxic work environment within city government since being appointed to his position in 2020.

City Council Member Lauren Key is raising a host of allegations against city manager Stefen Wynn.

She says Wynn accused two Neptune Beach employees of stealing $500,000 in city funds, a claim she says isn’t true.

“We have a city manager who makes egregious allegations,” says Key.

Key says she’s fed up with Wynn.

Key also accused Wynn of bullying and using profanity towards employees, storming out of offices during meetings, and even turning off public comments on Neptune Beaches Facebook page. Something that Key says just isn’t right.

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“One of the most egregious things you can do is limit the voice of your citizens. Sometimes you don’t like to hear what they say, but they are still entitled to their own voice,” says Key.

Key provided Action News Jax with a copy of a letter Wynn sent to her apologizing for his acts just days ago, ahead of tonight’s meeting.

We took these accusations to Wynn right after the city council meeting. He says he was shocked to hear key’s claims.

“This is the first time I’m hearing about it any allegations,” says Wynn.

We also asked about claims of a toxic work environment.

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“I would say that my staff was here tonight supporting the city, ultimately this is always looking at what’s in the best interest of the city of Neptune Beach,” says Wynn.

When we asked Wynn further questions, he said he had nothing more to say.

Key told Action News Jax, the city’s former Deputy Director of Public Works resigned because of a hostile work environment.

She gave Action News Jax the woman’s resignation letter, which also names Wynn.

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It states Wynn and the city allowed her to be called a racist and abrasive, and that she needed a quote ‘whipping boy.’

The letter also states the city never took disciplinary actions against the men who directed those comments at her.

All of these allegations will be investigated by the Neptune Beach city attorney, and city council will ultimately decide what action, if any, should be taken.

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