The City of Brooklet has tapped Paul Dyal, a longtime administrator with more than 30 years of experience in government operations and utility management, to serve as its new city manager. The City Council formally approved Dyal’s contract during a special called meeting on July 28, 2025, marking a significant leadership transition as the community continues to grow and professionalize its operations.
Dyal succeeds Interim City Manager Carter Crawford, who was recognized by the council for his year of dedicated service and assistance throughout the transition process. Crawford, who has stepped into interim roles across the region, joked after the vote that this would be his last stint as interim, but offered to help with future recruitment if needed.
Dyal’s appointment signals a forward-looking move for Brooklet. A Florida native and former city manager of Lake City, he brings a deep background in public infrastructure, budgeting, capital project management, and intergovernmental relations. Most recently, he served as Public Works Director for Homer, Alaska, after holding executive positions in Lake City from 2014 to 2024. These included roles as City Manager, Executive Director of Utilities, and Assistant City Manager, where he managed budgets exceeding $70 million and oversaw major initiatives such as the construction of an $18 million Water Reclamation Facility and the administration of more than $10 million in grants.
“I believe in collaborative leadership and open communication,” Dyal said in a personal statement attached to his resume. “Being visible to the team, listening actively, and providing elected officials with timely, accurate information is essential to sound decision-making.”
In addition to his municipal work, Dyal’s resume includes significant experience in the private sector, where he managed engineering and utility projects for local, state, and federal clients. He is a Certified Public Manager and Certified Supervisory Manager through Florida State University, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University (summa cum laude), and has earned two associate degrees from Lake City Community College. He is also a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
During the same July 28 meeting, the Brooklet City Council voted to table the first reading of Ordinance 25-029, a proposed measure to regulate soliciting and door-to-door sales. Council members raised concerns about the potential burden the ordinance might place on city staff, particularly related to permitting and enforcement. The decision came after a discussion that included resident complaints about aggressive door-to-door camera salesmen.
Council members agreed to revisit the ordinance at their next regular meeting on August 21 and to seek additional input from legal counsel and staff in the meantime.
The council closed the meeting by thanking Crawford for his service and welcoming Dyal to his new role, expressing optimism about the city’s future under his leadership.
