Meet Candidate #5 for Palm Bay City Manager: William Lawrence Offers Deep Roots in Public Service and a Proven Record in Florida Communities
Palm Bay, FL – William R. Lawrence brings over 37 years of experience in public service, spanning law enforcement and municipal leadership, making him one of the most seasoned candidates in Palm Bay’s search for its next City Manager. From police officer to police chief to city manager, Lawrence has dedicated his career to enhancing the quality of life in the communities he’s served across Maine and Florida.
Lawrence currently serves as Town Manager of Lady Lake, Florida, where he oversees a $42 million budget and leads a full-service municipality of 120 employees. His recent accomplishments include managing major infrastructure projects such as a $20 million wastewater expansion, new park development, and a $5 million library expansion. Under his leadership, Lady Lake approved Hammock Oaks, a residential development project bringing over 4,000 housing units to the area.
Before Lady Lake, Lawrence served as City Manager in Bowling Green, where he coordinated millions in state and federal funding for wastewater, water, parks, and infrastructure projects. He also led planning efforts for new community facilities and oversaw the installation of advanced water treatment systems.
His earlier municipal leadership includes time as Town Manager in Warren and Howland, Maine, where he improved financial stability, eliminated the need for tax anticipation notes, and led capital and utility projects. In Howland, he worked with the Penobscot River Restoration Trust to complete an $18 million fish bypass on the Piscataquis River, allowing the Atlantic Salmon to migrate up the river.
Lawrence’s foundation in law enforcement includes years with the Bangor Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a detective and patrol lieutenant. This unique blend of public safety and municipal administration gives him a holistic understanding of community needs.
He holds a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maine and has completed advanced executive leadership training through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and Northwestern Traffic Institute. He is a member of the Florida League of Cities, the Lake County League of Cities, the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA), and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
In his application to Palm Bay, Lawrence emphasized his relationship-focused leadership style, strategic thinking, and fiscal discipline.
“I firmly believe that the City Manager should be deeply embedded in the community fabric,” he wrote. “I am passionate about fostering transparency, trust, and strong engagement with both elected officials and residents.”
Lawrence, who was one of the finalists chosen by Councilman Hammer and Councilman Langevin, resides in Leesburg and will participate in public interviews on March 29 at Palm Bay City Hall. A final selection is expected by April 17.
Palm Bay Live will continue sharing candidate profiles to help residents get to know the individuals vying to lead their city.
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