In the next few days/weeks the full background will probably come out about Paul Goward's resignation. It appears that it wasn't just the e-mail he sent, but perhaps tensions were slowly escalating within the department.

The only 'online' discussion about Paul Goward's resignation is taking place at The Ledger Forums. Some of the commentary is interesting:

I think the Police Chief was correct in his thinking, even if the message was considered harsh by some (I'm sure the ones offended were in fact those guilty of that very thing). It is a shame that he resigned. - angel120459

I am a law enforcement officer in Polk county. I understand everyone tries to be politically correct these days but what ever happened to just accepting responsiblity for your actions? I couldn't agree with jenibean more. Being in this line of work requires (or should anyways) for you to be at your best, including your health. - kuffs345

I think there is a bigger picture which the general public cannot understand. Paul Goward was not forced to resign because of his "Jelly Belly" email to his empoyees. What people outside the department don't know is that Goward rules with a certain arrogance and "God" like attitude that the entire police force does not perform to their full potential. He does not belive in compromise or constructive discussion. It's either his way or the highway. - CopsCop

Whate part of the real world don't you people understand. the city manager weighs over 400 lbs. He got a copy of the memo called the chief and fired him. the city of Winter Haven has a state of art work out complex at the base ball field and is used 30 days out of the year, it is off limits to all and was built for the baseball players. City Manager Mr. green can't tie his own shoes and should open it up to all employees including himself. - paco

I had the privilege to have worked for worked for Chief Goward at the Horry County Police Department and was fortunate to retire, with twenty five years of law enforcement at the same time he left to go to Winter Haven Fl. Yes, he was pretty much set in his way as CopsCop stated, and I didn’t always agree with his ideas, but then I was not the one hired and paid the big buck to make those decisions. But everything he did was for the best of the department. And he was hired to make those decisions and was held responsible for all decisions made within the department. - Shelley

I am here to tell you that the Winter Haven Police Department and the citizens of Winter Haven lost a great leader yesterday. Chief Goward's forced resignation was based on a handful of the police department's employees who are incapable of progressing forward and making changes for the better. These employees are from the “good ole boy” system and would like to sit around, wait for retirement, and collect a pay check. Some of these are already eligible for retirement and hang around for no other reason than to hold the department down. - dontbeacoward