In a heated Emergency Council Meeting on December 6, 2024, the City of Riviera Beach faced intense scrutiny over its handling of public communication and ongoing water quality issues. Council members and residents alike expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the meeting itself, with several speakers criticizing the city for inadequate notice to the community.

Dr. Spears highlighted the failure to post meeting details on the city’s website, stating, “We made no attempt to make sure that the community was aware of having this meeting.” This sentiment was echoed by multiple residents who felt sidelined and unheard, emphasizing the need for better communication from city officials.

The meeting also saw impassioned public comments regarding the ongoing water crisis in Riviera Beach. Residents voiced their anger over the city’s handling of water quality issues, with one speaker, Scott Lewis, demanding accountability from the council. “You got 155 lawsuits because of the [water] issues. Have we had emergency meetings about that? No,” he lamented, calling for leadership and action rather than political maneuvering.

The discussion took a sharp turn as speakers addressed the implications of a lawsuit affecting the city clerk, Deborah Hall. Many residents expressed concern that the legal challenges were overshadowing critical issues like water safety. Kendra Wester urged the council to prioritize the needs of the community over political disputes, stating, “Can we please put the people first?”

As the meeting progressed, the tension between council members and the public grew palpable, with accusations of mismanagement and cover-ups surfacing. The community's demand for transparency and effective leadership was clear, as residents called for immediate action to resolve the water crisis and restore trust in local governance.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency for the council to address these pressing issues, as residents left with the hope that their voices would lead to meaningful change in Riviera Beach.