BREAKING NEWS: City Engineer Resigns
David Allen resigned citing personal reasons, while sources inside City Hall tell a different story.
David Allen, director of the City of Key West Engineering Department, resigned late Tuesday, citing personal reasons according to public records obtained and reviewed By Ted Lund.
His last day will be May 23, 2025.
Allen had taken over last year to relieve (second time) outgoing, long-time City Engineer Gary Volenec, who temporarily stepped in to help fill the gap while the city looked for a replacement.
That replacement — right up until Tuesday afternoon — was Allen.
Key West’s Engineering Department oversees planning, design, and construction management for the City's capital improvement projects, including roadways, streets, sidewalks, buildings, parks, and beaches.
Additionally, the Department handles right-of-way permitting and manages construction activities by private parties within the City's rights-of-way.
It is important to note that Allen was not implicated or even mentioned in the 13 felony indictments handed down by a Monroe County Grand Jury over the last two weeks regarding corruption at 1300 White Street.
Commissioners learned of the resignation late Tuesday in a rather surreptitious way; they recieved an email from HR that the City Engineer position would be advertised along with the opening for the City’s Code Enforcement Director, who would replace the retiring, disgraced Jim Young.
With commissioners unaware of Allen’s resignation, Commissioner Sam Kaufman called the question, and City HR Director Kerri Voelkel replied via a one line email.
Several sources within City Hall said Allen was leaving to care for an ailing parent, but that his resignation came after a heated argument with City Manager Brian Barroso during a meeting of city directors.
Another person with knowledge said the City Manager “went Barroso” on Allen.
This is a developing story. Please watch this space for updates.