FORT PIERCE, Fla. — We’re continuing to ask questions to get you answers on the arrest and resignation of Fort Pierce city commissioner James Taylor. A special meeting was held Monday evening in Fort Pierce to decide the next steps.
District commissioners outlined the plan for the upcoming special election to replace Taylor, who remains in jail after his arrest last week.
WATCH BELOW: WPTV's Michael Hoffman attends Monday afternoon's meeting
With Taylor's picture still hanging in the chambers and his resignation in the hands of the commission, plans can now move forward as Fort Pierce looks to control the damage.
"We will move this city forward," said Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson.
"We are required to have a special election," said City Attorney Sara Hedges.
Commissioners discussed the ways that the election could happen. The voting will not be city-wide, hyper-focused on District 2, Taylor's old district — and it'll come with a price tag.
"It's $60,000,” said Commissioner Arnold Gaines. "Where are we getting from?"
They discussed the idea of using fewer polling locations and eliminating early and mail-in votes to conserve funds. However, they say they'll likely stick to the way that lets more votes and eat the $60 grand.
When it comes to the dates for the election, here is the schedule:
- The first step will be to declare a special election at the commission's Aug. 4 meeting
- Election would be held Nov. 4
- Runoff, if necessary, would happen on Jan. 20, 2026
Following the meeting, WPTV Journalist Michael Hoffman spoke with fellow District 2 Commissioner Michael Broderick. He said he's confident that the deadline will be met and that the situation will be behind them in a few months.
During the public comment, the people of District Two voiced their concerns about a lack of representation in the months to come. Broderick, looking to ease those concerns:
"We can now move forward to the special election and get a new person into the seat, into the second district, two seats," said Broderick.
"I am the senior District 2 elected official. Clearly, there's now a void. As we have a vacancy, I am making myself available to any residents of District 2 that have any concerns or issues. They can contact the city clerk's office, get put on my calendar to meet with me personally."
