Tensions grew between some Treasure Island officials and neighbors during Tuesday night's city commission meeting. An anonymous letter cited allegations of harassment and bullying from some residents following the impact of last year's hurricanes. "They do not stand for the character of our communities. Instead, they actively fight to tear down any progress that has been made," it reads. However, some neighbors who attended the meeting denied the allegations and said disagreements shared inside city hall or online do not amount to bullying. They said their disagreements and statements are a way to hold elected officials accountable. "Anyone can come to these meetings and voice their grievances," resident West Evans said. "Healthy debate is the cornerstone of our democracy." Evans said many of the issues residents faced stemmed from permits to rebuild their houses after Hurricane Helene. A group dubbed Citizens' Voice Treasure Island denounced the allegations in the letter, writing in part, "Our local City Hall doesn't want to be held accountable." The city of Treasure Island says 38 staff members have resigned since Hurricane Helene for various reasons. At least six of those staff members were department heads. Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez said a small portion of the community has displayed concerning behavior. After being sworn in in March, Vasquez said police recommended she be escorted out of meetings for her safety. "It's just really concerning. The majority of our community are wonderful, loving people. We're just trying to get them back in their homes," Vasquez said. In response to comments made at the meeting, Vasquez said she did respond anonymously to online comments that criticized the city. During the meeting, Vasquez spoke of allegations of slander, wrongdoing and harassment from some residents. Several residents, however, pushed back at the letter's allegations during the meeting and said it's their right to share differing opinions. "We elect our representatives to represent us," West said during the meeting. A new Treasure Island city attorney was recently selected this year. In the meantime, the search for an interim city manager continues after commissioners voted to remove its city manager from the position.