St. Lucie County's facilities director Debra Brisson resigns over Fenn Center wedding controversy

ST. LUCIE COUNTY -- Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director Debra Brisson has resigned effective immediately.

Brisson turned in a brief resignation letter dated Oct. 12 to County Administrator Faye Outlaw.

"It is with much regret that I tender my resignation as I have always had only the best interest of St. Lucie County in my heart," Brisson wrote. "However, I cannot sit and watch the organization be placed in turmoil over my alleged actions."

Brisson's resignation comes two days after the county released the findings of an independent audit that looked into allegations Brisson misused $30,000 of taxpayer money to throw St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court Joe Smith and his wife, Assistant County Attorney Heather Smith, a wedding reception at the Havert L. Fenn Center in Fort Pierce. The audit found the county had not spent $30,000 but rather $14,832.

Outlaw met with Brisson late Wednesday to discuss her loss of confidence in Brisson's ability to perform her duties as director, according to a county news release.

"That discussion led to Brisson tendering her resignation on the spot," the release states.

"In recent weeks we have identified system-wide problems within the department, some of which were underscored in the report," Outlaw said in the news release. "It is apparent that the department needs new leadership, and it is better that the change in leadership happens sooner rather than later."

Brisson began working for St. Lucie County in 2005 first as the director of Cultural Affairs. She was later promoted to the director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. Assistant County Administrator Lee Ann Lowery will be overseeing the department.