Ed Spears has officially assumed the role of City Manager for the City of Milton. A Pensacola native and proud graduate of B.T. Washington High School, he holds degrees in political science, history, and public administration from Florida State University. With nearly 30 years of experience in local government and nonprofit sectors, Spears brings a deep commitment to public service and is well-equipped to lead Milton’s ongoing growth and development.
A Legacy of Community Development
Before joining Milton in 2018, Spears built a solid foundation in community development, economic revitalization, and public administration through pivotal roles in Pensacola and Tallahassee.
In Pensacola, he was instrumental in the development of the $42 million Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium and Community Maritime Park, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant community hub.
In Tallahassee, as a senior leader in the Neighborhood & Community Services Department, Spears managed five divisions with a combined budget of over $12 million. He also spearheaded the creation of the Community Human Services Partnership (CHSP) with Leon County and the United Way, earning federal recognition for this innovative initiative.
These experiences set the stage for Spears’ accomplishments in Milton, where he established the Office of Economic Development and led transformative efforts through the Community Redevelopment Agency and other key projects.
Key Achievements Under Spears’ Leadership
• Commercial Façade Program: Spearheaded the development and implementation of this initiative, supporting 37 businesses with over $216,000 in funding across 52 projects, leveraging an additional $1.6 million.
• Outside Agency Funding Process: Launched this process to support local non-profits and community initiatives, strengthening the city’s community network.
• Saturday Farmer’s Market: Revitalized the City of Milton’s Saturday Farmer’s Market, partnering with the Pace Farmer’s Market to enhance community engagement.
• COVID-19 Response: Directed the city’s response to the pandemic, implementing multiple emergency support programs for businesses and city employees.
• Cultural and Educational Grants: Successfully secured significant grants, including a “Museum on Main Street” Smithsonian Exhibition, enriching the city’s cultural and educational landscape.
Commitment to Community Engagement
Beyond his professional achievements, Spears remains deeply committed to community engagement and leadership. His active involvement in various community and educational boards reflects his dedication to the vitality and desirability of his hometown.
Personal Life
Edward is married to Stephanie Lawrence Yelton, the esteemed head women’s basketball coach at the University of West Florida. Together, they are proud parents to five children: Hannah Simmons (Thomas), 27, a drama teacher and alumna of the School of Theater at Florida State University; Benjamin Spears, 22, a recent graduate of the University of Florida’s School of Design, currently studying at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture; Bobby Yelton, 15, a freshman at Gulf Breeze High School; Toby Yelton, 12, a sixth grader at Woodlawn Beach Middle School; and Rocky, their energetic 4-year-old German Shorthair Pointer.
