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Key Points
- Cliff Shepard is retiring from his role as Apopka city attorney after serving under multiple mayors including Joe Kilsheimer and Bryan Nelson.
- Shepard was hired initially to calm political tensions during mayoral transitions and is known for his nonpartisan, direct legal advice.
- City commissioners praised Shepard's guidance, respectfulness, and mentorship throughout his tenure, wishing him well in retirement.
Cliff Shepard is retiring from his role as city attorney, sharing remarks at his final Apopka City Commission meeting Wednesday night.
Shepard, who serves as president and managing shareholder of Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A., started his tenure as Apopka’s city attorney under former mayor Joe Kilsheimer.
“I think it was the first time in 60 years there had been a Democrat running the city of Apopka,” he said. “I didn’t know Joe Kilsheimer — he called me up out of the blue, and he asked me to come in and sort of try to calm the waters, because the transition was a little rough. I’m glad to say that I was able to do that for the most part, and then the city tried to see about going in-house, and that may happen again.”
Afterward, former mayor Bryan Nelson found himself on “a similarly rough road,” according to Shepard.
“He was Republican, and he called me in for the same reason — to try to calm the waters. In both of those cases, I like to think that I did that — at least I tried, because I’m NPA, I’m no party affiliation. I just care about getting it right, and so I tried to do that.”
Each of the commissioners wished Shepard a happy retirement on Wednesday night. Commissioner Yesenia Baron noted his “first Monday is going to look a whole lot different” and encouraged him to “enjoy it,” and Mayor Nick Nesta shared his appreciation for Shepard’s “always very direct and non-emotional responses.”
“[You are] the one person sitting on the dais that I can actually say, ‘I made the motion to hire you,’ and it’s been a good ride,” said Commissioner Sam Ruth. “You were always a friend to me, and I always valued your opinion. Even when I thought I knew better, you were always that little voice that says, ‘Step back and take a deep breath, and see it from somebody else’s shoes.’ So I appreciate that — thank you.”
Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez said she had worked with Shepard throughout both of his tenures as city attorney.
“It’s been a journey. I’ve learned so much with you, and I appreciate [that] every time I tapped upon you, that you took the time to explain it to me, gave me examples, let me vent, and always gave me the right advice to follow. And I’ve seen you become a grandfather,” she said. “You’re a gentleman, and you have always shown me respect and have always recognized me for the titles that I hold. And many times you’ve apologized when it wasn’t something that you should have done, but you did, and I appreciate that. And I want to wish you the best in your retirement. It’s been an honor and privilege to work with you these last 10 years.”
Commissioner Nadia Anderson said she would miss Shepard’s “guidance” and “wisdom.”
“Every time I call, you spend a lot of time asking questions and very honest, very direct, always, always erred on the side of what was right and not your opinion,” she said. “I appreciate your guidance. Sometimes I didn’t want to hear it, but I thank you for always, always doing what’s right in not really following your opinion, not following anyone’s opinion.”