SEBASTIAN — The Sebastian City Council is set to weigh options for a new city attorney at its next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, including a contract proposal from longtime legal adviser Jim Stokes and resumes from two candidates interviewed earlier this month.
Council members tabled the hiring decision during a special meeting on Jan. 7, directing the human resources department to negotiate a potential deal with Stokes to become the interim city attorney, who has submitted terms to serve as an independent contractor starting Feb. 1.
Under the proposed agreement, Stokes would provide general legal services to the city, including advice on local government law, employment issues, land use and real estate matters. His duties would encompass attending council and planning commission meetings, representing the city in hearings and drafting ordinances and contracts.
The city would pay Stokes $16,500 per month, with no employee benefits or severance package. He would maintain office hours at least three days a week for a minimum of 30 hours, be available around the clock and coordinate absences with the city manager to avoid conflicts with council sessions.
The council also plans to review applications from John J. Anastasio and Manny Anon Jr., both interviewed on Jan. 7.
City officials recommend the council evaluate Stokes’ proposal alongside the other candidates and issue guidance to staff on next steps.
Stokes has served as the city’s legal counsel under prior arrangements, handling day-to-day operations and special projects. The contract allows for additional compensation on complex litigation or bonuses at the council’s discretion, with annual raises tied to those for other charter officers.
The move comes as Sebastian seeks to fill the position amid ongoing municipal needs, including environmental and election law support.
City Attorney Applicants
The Sebastian City Council plans to review applications from John J. Anastasio and Manny Anon Jr., both interviewed at a special public meeting on Jan. 7. However, the council decided to temporarily table the hiring in order to negotiate a potential deal with Stokes.
John J. Anastasio
John J. Anastasio offers more than 40 years of experience in local government law, representing entities, officials, employees and citizens in litigation, appeals and transactional matters.
His expertise spans environmental law, community redevelopment, code enforcement, public employee discipline, labor relations, tort claims, employment standards, health and safety regulations, ethics, eminent domain, land use, administrative procedures, public records and Sunshine laws, arbitration, civil rights, real estate, bankruptcy and First Amendment issues.
Anastasio has served as counsel to former Port St. Lucie Mayor Joann Faiella and the St. Lucie Fire District, providing daily legal advice and successfully defending against public records, Sunshine law and defamation suits.
He worked in the Municipal Attorney’s Office at Young Dorsey & Fisher, supporting municipalities like Butler, Dover and East Hanover in New Jersey, handling zoning, redevelopment, employment, labor, eminent domain and public records issues.
As attorney for the Mount Arlington Municipal Investigating Committee, he led a probe into the local police department, drafted charges and ensured compliance. He also acted as special prosecutor, securing convictions against the police chief and two officers.
Anastasio served as authority attorney for the Dover Housing Authority, managing low-income housing and liability matters, and as an eminent domain commissioner appointed by the Superior Court.
His litigation highlights include challenging public records retention rules, winning career service hearings and appealing over 100 cases with reported decisions in areas like foreclosure, defamation, employee termination and police discipline.
He has authored blueprints for city attorney offices in Delray Beach, Indiantown and Indian River State College, as well as a handbook on municipal investigating committees.
Anastasio holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts in government from Seton Hall University, with additional studies in public administration at New York University. He is admitted to practice in Florida courts, federal districts in Florida, the 11th Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
He has participated in seminars on municipal law, environmental issues, ethics and trial skills, and is affiliated with Florida Bar sections on local government and land use, along with pro bono awards from Florida Rural Legal Services.
Anastasio’s skills include office management, Microsoft Suite proficiency, legal software, research methodologies, public policy analysis, negotiation and litigation in state and federal courts.
Manny Anon Jr.
Manny Anon Jr. previously served as city attorney for Sebastian from February 2020 to March 2023. He has a background in municipal law, labor and employment, litigation and contract review.
He worked as city attorney for Melbourne from March 2023 to September 2024, overseeing daily operations and collaborating with council, the city manager and department heads.
Before that, Anon was senior deputy city attorney in Port St. Lucie from December 2016 to January 2019, focusing on labor, employment, litigation and drafting ordinances, resolutions and contracts. He briefly served as assistant town attorney in Surfside in 2014, handling similar document preparation.
From 1999 to 2014, he was deputy general counsel for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, providing legal support on labor issues, arbitrations, hearings and negotiations in several Florida counties.
Anon worked as an assistant city attorney in Miami from 1997 to 1999, litigating civil defense cases from complaints to closing arguments. Earlier roles included associate positions at Sandler & Sandler and The Legal Group, handling commercial litigation and personal injury, along with clerkships researching pleadings and law.
He earned a Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law in 1992, a Bachelor of Arts in politics and public affairs from the University of Miami in 1989 and an Associate of Arts from Miami-Dade Community College in 1986.
Anon was active in student organizations, including the Hispanic Law Society, honor societies and moot court, earning recognitions like Who’s Who Among American Law Students and Dean’s List honors.
His community service includes roles with Port St. Lucie Lions International, the National Hispanic Republican Association, Miami Police crisis prevention and Allapattah community boards.
Anon has received certificates of appreciation from Melbourne, Sebastian, Miami Police and local leaders, along with military honors such as the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Combat Action Badge from his service.