Black leaders in Fort Myers call for investigation

A group of black community leaders are meeting with Marcus Goodson, the interim Fort Myers City Manager, this morning concerning an incident that turned ugly at city hall last week.

Deputy City Clerk Denise Yingling told two of the men and a reporter to "kiss my ass" after a request to look at public records became heated, according to several of the men. Yingling has since been suspended with pay. According to a city spokesperson, Yingling's job status is likely to be determined today by 5 p.m.

Willie Battle and Anthony Thomas, who are part of Citizens for a Better Fort Myers Government, a citizen review board, is asking for Yingling to be fired.

"I couldn't believe she said that to us," said Willie Battle, a former local NAACP President.

The incident started after the group wanted to look into public records concerning alleged police brutality cases. They were accompanied by several members of the media. But when TV cameras started rolling, Yingling took offense and asked the media stop filming the proceedings. An assistant city attorney was called in and ruled that it was OK for the media to film.

But Yingling ended the proceedings and called the police on the group, according to Battle and Thomas.

A FOX 4 camera caught Yingling mocking Thomas behind his back. Yingling's comment wasn't caught on camera.

The group of black leaders are holding a press conference at noon today on the steps of City Hall. According to Thomas, they will be asking Attorney General Charlie Christ to investigate the city.