FORT PIERCE – The line of prospective jurors called to potentially hear evidence of alleged bid-rigging and official misconduct against former City Manager Nicholas stretched around the corner before the sun rose on the Sunrise City early Monday.

The first trial day was devoted to whittling down that field to just six jurors and several alternates who will be empaneled to hear what could be two weeks of testimony and evidence.

19th Circuit Judge Michael J. Linn, state prosecutor Jonathan Walter and Mimms’ defense attorney Donald Murrell Jr. spent most of Monday questioning jury pool members about what they know about the case, any previous contact with Mimms or any connections they might have to the long list of prosecution witnesses expected to testify.

Some of the 60 were excused Monday after they told the court they knew some of the expected witnesses or had followed some media coverage of the case that prosecutors said developed between Sept. 24, 2019, to April 6, 2022. One potential juror was excused after he said his employment as Fort Pierce building department director once meant he reported to Mimms.

Charges against Mimms stem from the 2020 city award of a low-fee, long-term lease to non-profit Lincoln Park Young Professionals for vacant, city-owned parcels at 1134 and 1138 Avenue D. That non-profit–then headed by two city employees, one of whom is Mimms’ niece–had proposed using shipping containers for an Avenue D neighborhood library, kitchen, classrooms and business incubator space designed to stimulate the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

LPYP said it would use a $500,000 grant from Allegany Franciscan Ministries (AFM), a Tampa Catholic charity, to develop the project,

Today the lots remain vacant and the grant money has not been publicly accounted for.

Mimms was arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in August 2024, and initially was put on leave by the city, then forced to resign.

He has entered a plea of not guilty.

Hours of pretrial housekeeping Monday also showed some glimpses into how the trial may proceed. The prosecution’s witness list includes Mimms’ niece, Caleta Scott, who, along with city planner Vennis Gilmore were principals in LPYP. Scott is no longer employed by the city, while Gilmore is.

Several elected or appointed city officials also are expected to appear, including Mayor Linda Hudson and former Commissioner Tom Perona, as well as several city employees in the manager’s office, purchasing and economic development.

Mario Wilcox, the whistleblower who initially brought the allegations to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also will be questioned, in addition to people associated with Allegany Franciscan Ministries, the Tampa Catholic charity that funded the $500,000 grant to LPYP.

Attorneys also hinted Monday that the defense may not call any witnesses, relying on the prosecution’s burden to prove Mimms’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Judge Linn also denied a defense motion to increase the size of the jury to 12 from 6.

The trial reconvenes Tuesday at 9 a.m. in courtroom 3A at the St. Lucie County Courthouse, downtown Fort Pierce.