Stuart's Former Interim City Manager Says He Was Forced Out

Most city commissioners deny any role in Louis Boglioli III's departure from the interim position.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Louis Boglioli III, a veteran employee of the city of Stuart, Florida, claims he was forced out of his temporary job as interim city manager by a city commissioner. However, most city commissioners deny pushing Boglioli out of the role. Boglioli says he was "volun-told" to step down just minutes before a city commission meeting, but the mayor says he planned to recommend the city's HR director take over as interim manager. After being replaced, Boglioli went back to his role as finance director but then abruptly quit, saying he was asked to take actions that were illegal, immoral and unethical.

Why it matters

The situation highlights potential political tensions and a lack of transparency within the Stuart city government, as well as the loss of experienced city staff. A city commissioner has called for an investigation into Boglioli's tenure and departure, raising concerns about potential violations of the city's code of conduct.

The details

Boglioli, who had been the city's finance director for over 30 years, was appointed interim city manager in November 2025 after the previous city manager was fired. During his brief tenure, Boglioli received praise and a 10% pay increase from the city commission. However, he says he was then "volun-told" to step down just 10 minutes before a January 2026 commission meeting. Most commissioners deny pushing Boglioli out, but the mayor says he planned to recommend the HR director take over as interim. After being replaced, Boglioli went back to his finance director role but then abruptly quit, citing unethical demands.

  • Boglioli was appointed interim city manager on November 10, 2025.
  • Boglioli received a 10% pay increase and praise from the commission on December 8, 2025.
  • Boglioli was "volun-told" to step down as interim city manager on January 12, 2026, just 10 minutes before a commission meeting.

The players

Louis Boglioli III

A veteran employee of the city of Stuart, Florida, who served as interim city manager before being forced out of the role.

Christopher Collins

The mayor of Stuart, who says he planned to recommend the city's HR director take over as interim city manager.

Roz Strong

The city of Stuart's HR director, who is now serving as interim city manager and interim finance director.

Campbell Rich

A Stuart city commissioner who has called for an investigation into Boglioli's tenure and departure.

Michael Mortell

The former Stuart city manager who was fired without cause in October 2025 after 22 years of experience with the city.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't request to step down.”

— Louis Boglioli III, Former Interim City Manager (tcpalm.com)

“We had him here in finance from Alabama. We asked him to step in for that two- or three-month period, and that was a lot. He was planning on retiring a year before. Mike (Mortell) asked him to stay on and do this work remote.”

— Christopher Collins, Mayor (tcpalm.com)

“No city can prosper with such a disregard for historical knowledge and proven commitment.”

— Campbell Rich, City Commissioner (tcpalm.com)

What’s next

City Commissioner Campbell Rich has announced he will call for an investigation into Boglioli's tenure as interim city manager, his departure from the finance director role, and the appointment of Roz Strong as interim city manager and finance director.

The takeaway

The situation in Stuart raises concerns about transparency and potential political interference in the city's administration, as well as the loss of experienced municipal staff. The upcoming investigation could shed light on any potential wrongdoing or code of conduct violations by city officials.