GREEN COVE SPRINGS - The City of Green Cove Springs has announced the retirement of longtime City Attorney Jim Arnold following 49 years of dedicated service to the community.

Arnold has served as city attorney since 1977, providing legal counsel to the city council, staff and various boards through decades of growth, change, and key community milestones. His work has supported the development of city policies, safeguarded municipal interests and ensured city actions have been carried out in accordance with applicable law.

Throughout his tenure, Arnold has served under multiple administrations and has been involved in a number of important community efforts. This includes his service as a founding member of the Clay County Bar Association and his assistance in helping preserve the city’s Riverfest event during a period when funding challenges threatened its continuation.

Those efforts helped secure community support and fundraising that allowed the event to continue and grow into one of the region’s premier Memorial Day observances. His long-standing commitment to professionalism, fairness and public service has earned the respect of colleagues, elected officials, and residents alike.

“Serving the City of Green Cove Springs for nearly five decades has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Arnold said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated public servants and members of this community.”

“On behalf of the city, we extend our sincere gratitude to Jim for 49 years of dedicated service,” said Interim City Manager Mike Null. “His retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career of public service to the City of Green Cove Springs. We are grateful for his many contributions and the lasting impact his work has had on both the organization and the community.”

The city plans to recognize Arnold’s career and many contributions to the community at a future date.

The city council appointed John Wallace of Smith Hulsey & Busey as interim city attorney on May 19 to serve until a permanent city attorney is appointed.

Wallace represents public and private clients in environmental, land use, real property and governmental law, with a focus on litigation, permitting, and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining Smith Hulsey & Busey, Wallace served as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit and practiced with other Jacksonville law firms.