
Photos for Headline Surfer / Charles Geiger, Edgewater's new interim police chief, is shown with Joe Mahoney, the new interim city manager. At right is Jeffrey Thurman, the new interim public works director.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
EDGEWATER, Fla. -- The City of Edgewater has announced a leadership transition: Interim City Manager Jeffrey Thurman has been reassigned as the interim public works director, Police Chief Joe Mahoney appointed interim city manager, and Police Capt. Charles Geiger has been appointed interim police chief.
On Tuesday, Edgewater officials prepared a statement: "Chief Joseph Mahoney has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication throughout his 23 years of service with the Edgewater Police Department."
It's not clear who in the Edgewater City government wrote the statement.
It continued: "Chief Mahoney has served in the capacity of chief of police since 2018. His ability to lead with integrity, communicate effectively, and make thoughtful, informed decisions makes him well-suited to guide the city during this interim period. The City is confident in his capacity to manage operations and support all departments through this transition.
With Mahoney assuming City Manager duties, Geiger has been designated interim police chief.
"Geiger has been a respected member of the department since 2011 and is known for his professionalism, integrity, and strong leadership capabilities," the Edgewater statement said. "His commitment to public service and community engagement will continue to support the Police Department’s mission."
Edgewater has been dealing with internal political strife for over a decade.
Edgewater has been dealing with internal political strife for over a decade.
Glenn Irby was the previous city manager of Edgewater, Florida. The city Council fired him in September 2024. Deputy Director of Environmental Services Jeff Thurman from the Environmental Services Department served as the interim city manager while a search for a new full-time manager was ongoing.
Irby was hired in 2019 after the council suddenly ousted its previous city manager in 2018. For more than 20 years, Irby had held various positions in city governments around Central Florida. Following Irby's departure, Thurman served as interim city manager before being reassigned Tuesday to his previous public works position.