City Councilor Resigns Amid Form-6 Disclosure Controversy

May 24, 2025 • Williston, FL

At the December 18, 2024 meeting of the Williston City Council, longtime Councilor Jerry Robinson stunned attendees by announcing his immediate resignation, effective December 29—citing the recent turmoil over Florida’s Form 6 financial-disclosure requirements. Robinson’s departure follows a wave of high-profile resignations statewide by officials embroiled in the “Form 6” controversy, a dispute over property-and-income disclosures that nearly paralyzed local boards last fall.

What Happened: During the City Council’s regular session, Robinson read a brief statement lamenting the personal toll of preparing and filing the newly enforced Form 6 disclosures for the month of January—remarking “You have just taken the entire month of January from me” before tendering his resignation.
Background: Form 6, adopted by the Florida Legislature in 2023, expanded disclosure obligations for local public officers. Across North Central Florida, several officials resigned rather than submit detailed financial and asset reports, prompting questions about the law’s drafting and implementation wcjb.com.
Next Steps: The Council will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Robinson’s term or, if timelines allow, call a special election. Meanwhile, City Clerk’s staff have reinforced their Form 6 support hotline to assist remaining members with compliance.

Former State Rep. Joe Harding Sentenced in Federal Fraud Case

May 24, 2025 • Williston, FL

Joe Harding, the Williston-born Republican who resigned from the Florida House in December 2022, began serving a four-month federal prison sentence this month after pleading guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements related to COVID-19 relief loans.

Indictment & Guilty Plea: In March 2023, a federal grand jury unsealed charges alleging Harding used dormant businesses and fabricated bank statements to secure over $150,000 in Paycheck Protection Program funds—money intended for operating businesses hurt by the pandemic mycbs4.com.
Sentencing: U.S. District Judge ordered Harding to serve four months behind bars, followed by two years of supervised release, plus restitution and forfeiture obligations. The sentence was handed down seven months after his August 2022 plea agreement floridapolitics.com.
Local Reaction: The scandal and Harding’s legislative record—including sponsorship of the “Parental Rights in Education” Act—have left a mixed legacy in Williston. Community leaders say they hope Harding’s case serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with public service. en.wikipedia.org

Ethics Complaints Rock Levy County Commission, Raising Questions for Williston

May 24, 2025 • Williston, FL

Levy County Commission Chair Desiree Mills, whose district includes Williston, is facing two separate ethics complaints over alleged discrepancies in her financial-disclosure filings—a controversy that could reshape county-wide governance.

First Complaint (March 2025): Local farmer Allen Fant filed a formal ethics complaint alleging “discrepancies in the financial disclosures filed by Commissioner Mills over the past three years,” specifically around undeclared assets and income streams spotlightonlevycountygovernment.com.
Statute Change Controversy (May 2025): Shortly after the first complaint, the County’s ethics-ordinance language was amended—critics argue the revision “protects County leadership” by narrowing the scope of reportable interests, potentially insulating Mills from further challenges spotlightonlevycountygovernment.com.
Commission Response: While the Florida Commission on Ethics has not yet ruled on the initial complaint, county officials maintain the charter change was “routine housekeeping” to align with state law. However, several Williston civic groups have petitioned for an independent review, citing concerns about transparency and conflicts of interest facebook.com.

As Levy County navigates these high-stakes ethics battles, Williston residents are closely watching—recognizing that county commissioners set policies on growth, infrastructure, and services that directly affect their hometown.

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Political Scandals & Ethics Investigations in Williston, Florida

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