MILTON — The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners will vote during Thursday's meeting on removing Jack Sanborn from his position on the Tourist Development Council following accusations of threatening social media remarks. Commissioner Rob Williamson moved to add Sanborn's removal to Thursday's agenda, which passed without objection.
The decision for the vote came up at the June 11 meeting after Milton resident Pam Mitchell sent the council detailed information in which she outlined concerns over Sanborn’s position on the council.
Mitchell asked the commissioners to review information which she claimed would “reveal the bullying tactics he and his wife have employed to harass and intimidate the citizens of our county that don’t agree with their positions,” she said in a letter written to them.
Sanborn was not present for the meeting. Commissioner Bob Cole said it was inappropriate to discuss matters concerning Sanborn in his absence.
Commissioner Rob Williamson thanked Mitchell for approaching the commission with her concerns and addressed his own concerns on Sanborn. He asked the commission to consider asking for Sanborn’s resignation.
“We should thank him for his service and ask him to step down,” Williamson said.
Commissioner Don Salter supported Williamson’s proposal to call for Sanborn’s resignation.
Sanborn had come under fire at an earlier TDC board meeting for a comment toward a female reporter at a May 17 TDC budget workshop.
During discussion about funding a Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce event, "Small Bites Under the Moonlight," reporter Jamie Gentry gave some information about it.
She opened with a disclaimer that as a reporter she has "zero opinion."
Commissioner Sam Parker, the current BOCC representative on the TDC said, "Not all reporters believe that."
Laughter followed. Shortly thereafter, Sanborn said, "And you’re a female and no opinion."
"Jack. Uh uh," TDC Chairman Kyle Holley said.
"I really appreciate that sexism. It's great," Gentry said.
"Oh my gosh. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it," Holley said.
The meeting continued into details of the event with no further discussion on Sanborn's remarks. Gentry was unavailable to provide a comment on her reactions to Sanborn as of press time.
The commission will meet at 9 a.m. at Santa Rosa County Administrative Center Board Room, 6495 Caroline Street, Milton.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Commissioners may ask for Tourist Development Council member's resignation