BREAKING: City Attorney proposes public pay for Carey’s self-inflicted legal woes
Commission expected to consider resolution authorizing more than $6,000 in payments to cover attorney costs stemming from an unsuccessful recall petition. And it is perfectly legal under Florida law.
The Key West City Commission is poised to vote on whether to reimburse Commissioner Lissette Carey for more than $6,000 in legal fees she incurred while successfully fending off a recall petition filed against her earlier this year.
A resolution proposed by interim City Attorney Kendal Harden is scheduled for commission action at the next meeting and cites Florida Supreme Court precedent that allows elected officials to receive public reimbursement for legal expenses when defending litigation tied to their official duties and serving a public purpose.
According to city records, a group of residents led by Jim Strebeck filed recall petitions with the city clerk on July 23, 2025, seeking Carey’s removal from office.
The recall was pursued because of Cary’s refusal to resign as recommended by a scathing grand jury report released early this year that called for her departure from elected office.
The the agenda item stays where it is at, working taxpayers would have to take time off work to participate in the political process during the 9 a.m. session Thursday, Oct. 9.
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Well, the Monroe County State Attorneys Office released the grand jury report delving into corruption at 1300 White Street and the dirty dealings by the Bubba Bozo Trio of disgraced (and likely disba…
When taxpayer dissatisfaction led to the recall — following Carey’s refusal to resign as recommended by the grand jury — she retained Miami attorney Juan-Carlos Planas to challenge the effort, paying $2,500 up front while a balance of $3,675 remains outstanding.
On July 30, Planas filed suit seeking an injunction and declaratory relief. The matter quickly unraveled when Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies determined some of the petitions had issues with incorrect dates, rendering them invalid.
Hodies had said at the time that her hands were tied and that she had to interpret and enforce the state statutes regarding the process.
On Aug. 8, Hodies filed a formal suggestion of mootness, effectively nullifying the recall. No further recall petitions have been submitted since, but Strebeck has not ruled out further efforts.
The recall petition read:
“Lissette Carey should be recalled from the office of District IV City Commissioner for committing misfeasance, malfeasance, incompetence and neglect of duty as a commissioner.
“Lissette Carey’s persistent failures in judgment and responsibility, documented by the final report of the Monroe County Grand Jury, are clear grounds for recall. Jurors reviewed evidence from the State Attorney’s Office and the FBI and heard firsthand witness testimony. We agree with the jurors that Carey’s actions and inactions evidence incompetence and neglect of her duties, poor decision-making, and inability to serve as Commissioner. We also agree Carey lacks the convictions needed to fulfill her official duties. The Grand Jury recommended Carey resign in the interest of the integrity and betterment of the City. Carey has not challenged the Grand Jury’s findings, but has refused to resign. In her official capacity as Commissioner Carey has distorted facts, misinformed the public, and insulted key community partners, damaging the City’s ability to serve its citizens.
“The public trust is further damaged with each day Carey remains in office.”
The resolution, citing the state Supreme Court’s Thornber v. City of Fort Walton Beach decision, argues that reimbursing Carey is consistent with Florida’s common-law rule that protects public officials from the “chilling effect” of personal financial liability when performing their duties.
Timeline: The Recall Attempt
July 23, 2025 — Recall petitions filed with City Clerk Keri O’Brien by resident James Strebeck.
July 30, 2025 — Carey files suit seeking injunction and declaratory relief through attorney Juan-Carlos Planas.
Aug. 5, 2025 — Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies responds, finding the petitions untimely.
Aug. 8, 2025 — Hodies files Suggestion of Mootness, citing late filing and invalid signatures with incorrect dates. Recall effort collapses.
October 2025 — City Commission scheduled to vote on resolution reimbursing Carey’s legal fees.
If approved, the measure would direct the city manager to reimburse Carey for her $2,500 out-of-pocket payment and issue $3,675 directly to Planas, for a total of $6,175. City officials say the defense not only safeguarded Carey’s position but also ensured continuity of governance during a turbulent time for Key West politics.
Why Carey’s Fees Can Be Reimbursed
Florida courts have long recognized a common-law right for public officials to receive taxpayer-funded legal representation when defending themselves against litigation tied to their official duties.
Thornber v. City of Fort Walton Beach (1990): The Florida Supreme Court held that local governments may pay for an official’s legal defense if the litigation arises out of their official duties and serves a public purpose.
Maloy v. Leon County (2007): A state appellate court reinforced that entitlement to attorney’s fees arises independently of statute or charter.
Criteria: To qualify, the case must (1) be connected to the official’s public role, and (2) serve a public purpose, such as ensuring stability and continuity in governance.
In Carey’s case, city attorneys argue the failed recall directly targeted her elected role and that defending against it served the public by maintaining continuity on the commission.
Carey, first elected in 2022, has been a central figure in recent controversies at City Hall, including those referenced in a scathing grand jury report that tied her name to the same circle of officials now facing charges in what has become known locally as the “Bubba Bozo Trio” scandal.
That case involves former City Attorney Ron Ramsingh, his brother Chief Building Officer Raj Ramsingh, and former Code Enforcement Director Jim Young, all indicted on corruption-related charges stemming from a scheme to oust former City Manager Al Childress.
The grand jury accused the trio of orchestrating a boardroom coup, while also pointing to Carey’s involvement in the political maneuvering. Unlike the three indicted officials, Carey — along with other commissioners mentioned — has not been charged.
But her connection to the scandal continues to overshadow her role on the dais.
And now she wants taxpayers to pay.
Critics, however, note the backdrop of ongoing scandals and trials that have kept City Hall under an unflattering spotlight as an unwanted distraction and that Carey faced the recall based on her own actions outlined in the grand jury report and refusal to resign in the public interest.
At a Glance: Carey Recall Case
Commissioner: Lissette Carey
Attorney: Juan-Carlos Planas, Miami
Total Fees: $6,175
$2,500 already paid by Carey
$3,675 still owed to Planas
Resolution: City to reimburse Carey and pay Planas directly if measure is approved
Backdrop: Recall fight unfolded as Carey’s name surfaced in grand jury report linked to the “Bubba Bozo Trio” scandal including city officials Ron and Raj Ramsingh and Jim Young
The Key West City Commission will consider the reimbursement during the morning session of its next regular meeting — meaning if working taxpayers want to provide input — they will have to take time off from their jobs. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9 beginning at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 1300 White Stret. The meeting will also be live streamed on the city’s website.
All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law by a jury of their peers.
This is an evolving story. Watch this space.