Heather Smith, bride in Fenn Center controversy, quits job as assistant county attorney

ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Assistant County Attorney Heather Smith -- the bride at the center of recent allegations of misuse of taxpayer money at her wedding reception at the Havert L. Fenn Center -- has resigned from her job.

Smith sent a three-sentence letter with her two weeks’ notice Thursday to her boss, County Attorney Dan McIntye. The resignation would be effective Nov. 23, Smith wrote.

"As a dedicated public servant it has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of St. Lucie County," she wrote. "I will work closely with you and my fellow colleagues to ensure a smooth transition."

County spokesman Erick Gill said Smith resigned because she accepted a job offer from a local company.

Smith was hired June 13, 2005, according to Gill,. Her annual salary is $67,329.60. She couldn't be reached Friday morning for comment.

The county attorney’s office reports to the County Commission and is separate from county administration. All county offices were closed Friday for Veterans Day.

"We will miss Heather very much," wrote commission Chairman Chris Craft via text on Friday. "She has been an asset to the county for years. I wish her all the luck in the world."

County officials scheduled a workshop for Dec. 13 to discuss and create policies and procedures for the Fenn Center, according to Assistant County Administrator Lee Ann Lowery, who took over the county Parks, Recreation and Facility Department after former director Debra Brisson resigned.

The wedding reception

St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court Joe Smith and Assistant County Attorney Heather Smith had their May 28 wedding reception at the Havert L. Fenn Center on Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce.

Former Parks, Recreation and Facilities Executive Assistant Carol Strobert alleged in a Sept. 23 letter to County Administrator Faye Outlaw that former parks and recreation Director Debra Brisson misused $30,000 of taxpayer money on the reception.

Brisson resigned Oct. 12 amid the allegations.

An investigation by the county’s external auditor, Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, found the county spent $14,832 and not $30,000. The money was spent on items such as fabric, glassware and lighting.

Outlaw turned the investigation over to the State Attorney’s Office.