Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta has dismissed interim City Administrator Radley Williams and Finance Director Blanche Sherman, prompting mixed reactions from city commissioners and residents over the weekend.
Human Resources Director Joe Patton notified commissioners late Friday, September 26, in an email stating that “due to reorganization, Radley Williams, Interim City Administrator, and Blanche Sherman, Finance Director, have been separated from employment effective October 1, 2026.” Both were placed on paid administrative leave immediately and were offered a six-week paid severance package, though they have not yet accepted it, choosing instead to take time to review the offer as allowed by law, according to the email.
Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez told The Apopka Voice she had seen a proposed organizational chart before learning of the dismissals through Friday’s email. Commissioner Nadia Anderson questioned the decisions and asked for more information from the administration. Commissioners Yesenia Baron and Sam Ruth shared that personnel decisions fall under the mayor’s authority.
Williams joined the city in 2020 after 18 years with the city of Lake Mary and had served as interim city administrator since April 2025. The city commission had actually considered a proposal to make his role permanent bacl in September 2025. Sherman has served as finance director since 2022. She previously accused then-Commissioner Nesta of “ongoing harassment and constant disrespectful treatment” in an email that surfaced before last year’s election.
The dismissals come a week after City Attorney Cliff Shepard announced his retirement.
City Director of Public Information Steven Montiero said the city will not comment further on the departures. Montiero said Mayor Nesta will host a public forum tonight to address residents directly.
