BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — Boynton Beach has fired City Manager Lori LaVerriere, Mayor Ty Penserga confirmed Tuesday evening.
The decision was made on a 4-1 vote by the City Commission.
"This decision marks a significant and necessary change to move our city in a new direction," Penserga said in a statement Wednesday. "Ms. LaVerriere informed me that she was 'ready to move on,' and so I believe this decision was in the best interest for both parties. I thank Ms. LaVerriere for her many years of service to this city and I am confident that she will be successful in whatever future endeavors she decides to pursue."
The move comes days after the sudden resignation of Chief Michael Gregory, after nearly four years at the helm of the Boynton Beach Police Department.
It also comes as the department and city council are facing criticism following the death of Stanley Davis III.
Davis, 13, was killed during a traffic stop on Dec. 26, 2021, when he crashed his dirt bike into a median on U.S. Highway 1.
The Florida Highway Patrol concluded in March he was driving his dirt bike recklessly at speeds of about 85 mph when he crashed and died.
The FHP report found that there was no physical contact between the pursuing officer's vehicle and the child's motorcycle.
Davis' family and supporters are unhappy that the city and police department are not holding the police officer accountable for his role in the crash.
The Boynton Beach Police Department is conducting an internal investigation to determine if any police department policies were violated by any officer involved in the incident.
Penserga said city commissioners will meet next week "to deliberate on internal candidates to serve as interim city manager."
