ATLANTIC BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Atlantic Beach Town Manager resigned, citing a hostile work environment, moments before a special town council meeting on Monday night.

Adrian Jones handed his resignation letter to a WMBF News Reporter before the meeting started.

He stayed to listen to public comments but left before the council began discussing agenda items. The resignation takes effect on April 20.

Council voted 3-1 to accept a $10,000 settlement payout for Jones, who has held the position for less than a year.

In a letter addressed to the mayor and council members, Jones wrote, “Unfortunately, the work environment has become increasingly hostile and unprofessional, making it impossible for me to effectively carry out the duties of Town Manager.”

Council rejects sexually oriented business ordinance

A proposed ordinance to regulate sexually oriented businesses failed on a 2-2 vote.

The vote comes after a judge threw out a previously passed ordinance from fall 2025 last week. The court ruled Council Member Edward Campbell was serving illegally.

Campbell declined an interview. Attorney Bill Monckton with Thee Dollhouse asked the council to vote no on the new ordinance.

“My client does not want to fight with the town; we’ve been in litigation, y’all know how that’s gone so far, this ordinance is nothing more than trying to put this business out of business,” Monckton said.

Police department rebuild a priority

Several residents raised concerns about recent weekend crime spikes. The town currently operates without a police department.

Council members said rebuilding the police force after Jones dismantled it is a top priority for neighbors and visitors.

“What are we going to do when next weekend comes up? Are we going to have the same problems we had this past weekend, and pray to god nobody gets hurt?” one resident said.

“It’s not this body right here that got rid of our police department, but we are definitely working on bringing them back,” said Council Member Jacqueline Gore.

Mayor Pro Tem John David said the focus is on moving forward.

“It looks like getting a new person on board and moving the town in a positive direction. I have no opinion regarding [Jones],” David said.

Several agenda items were tabled, including the decision to censure Mayor Pro Tem John David, the hospitality fee tax, Bike Fest fees and vendor contracts, and the addition of new sidewalks and medians on the beach side of Highway 17.

David said many of these items are planned to be discussed at next Tuesday’s town council meeting.

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