- April 28, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
by: Gary Davidson
Volusia County Community Information
It was the summer of 1996, and Andy Ethridge had just begun working as a lifeguard on Volusia County’s beaches. For Ethridge, a Volusia native, this was no seasonal job. It was the start of a career.
Twenty-five years later, after having done just about every job on the beach and holding just about every rank there is, Ethridge’s career has led him all the way to the top. On Tuesday, the Volusia County Council confirmed Ethridge as the county’s next beach director. In unanimously confirming County Manager George Recktenwald’s selection of Ethridge, council members said he clearly was the right choice for the job.
“You are exactly where you need to be,” said Councilwoman Billie Wheeler. “I have total support in you.”
“You’re in the right place at the right time,” added Councilwoman Barb Girtman.
After starting with the county as a lifeguard, Ethridge’s other positions along the way have included beach safety specialist, beach safety officer, criminal investigator and beach safety sergeant, captain and deputy chief. Prior to Tuesday, Ethridge had been serving as interim director since former Director Ray Manchester transferred into the Corrections Division in January.
“He’s done a great job since we made him the interim,” Recktenwald said of Ethridge during Tuesday’s confirmation. “He’s really worked his way up through every step of the organization. He pretty much has experience in every aspect of managing the division.”
Seconds after Tuesday’s vote, County Chair Jeff Brower congratulated Ethridge for the change in job title.
“Acting director no more. Congratulations, Mr. Director,” said Brower.
As director of the beach safety division, Ethridge supervises a staff of approximately 80 full-time employees and 314 part-time employees who are responsible for lifeguard protection, emergency medical response and law enforcement services along the county’s 47 coastal miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Ethridge has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Flagler College and is both a certified emergency medical technician and a sworn law enforcement officer.
