TEMPLE TERRACE — In a surprise move that ended Temple Terrace’s yearlong flag initiative , Mayor Andy Ross handed the gavel to Vice Mayor Gil Schisler during a tense council meeting May 20, then made a motion to end the project.

It passed.

Ross made the unusual move in response to a motion by council member Erik Kravets, who requested city email addresses for two non-city staffers to assist with outreach and continue work on the embattled flag initiative.

Without approval, Kravets suggested the project was doomed.

City Manager Carlos Baia, who had already denied the request two weeks prior, told the council it violated cybersecurity policy.

“We’ve explained that to the council member,” he added. “That’s the reason that he’s bringing it up here this evening.”

Kravets also proposed w

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