STUART — The City Commission March 9 picked a 26-year Navy veteran to be the next leader of the city’s roughly 300 employees.
Michael Giardino, 63, was chosen from among 13 finalists and 82 applicants to be the next city manager. Giardino recently bought a home in Martin County.
Here are five things to know about Giardino’s selection:
The Stuart City Commission regular meeting, March 9, 2026, at City Hall. On the agenda were the Lyric Theatre Centennial Celebration proclamation, a presentation of the Florida Department of Transportation Monterey Road at FEC railroad crossing grade separation project and the selection of Martin County resident Michael Giardino as the next city manager.
∎ Giardino must still negotiate an employment contract with the city, and the City Commission must approve it.
∎ The City Commission is set to consider the contract March 23.
∎ One reason Mayor Christopher Collins liked Giardino is his perceived ability to follow the chain of command.
∎ Giardino was selected in a split City Commission vote, with Laura Giobbi and Campbell Rich voting no.
∎ Giardino would fill the job held previously by Michael Mortell, who was fired by the City Commission in October.
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Keith Burbank is TCPalm’s watchdog reporter covering Martin County. He can be reached at keith.burbank@tcpalm.com and at 720-288-6882.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Five quick facts about the choice of this Florida city’s manager