Mayor Norris faces backlash over lawsuit and governance failures in city council

The City Council of Palm Coast convened on May 20, 2025, to address pressing issues concerning the conduct of Mayor Norris and the implications of his recent legal actions. The meeting began with a focus on the mayor's controversial lawsuit against the city, the supervisor of elections, and a council member, which was described as a frivolous attempt to divert attention from serious concerns regarding his behavior in office.

Council members expressed alarm over Mayor Norris's alleged attempts to force the resignation of senior city staff without proper council approval. An independent investigation confirmed these claims, highlighting a pattern of neglect of key mayoral responsibilities that are crucial for effective governance. The mayor's refusal to fulfill essential liaison duties between the council and city departments was also noted, raising concerns about the impact on community coordination.

Further complicating the situation, Mayor Norris has reportedly removed his belongings from the shared council office, symbolizing a withdrawal from collaborative governance. This action has been interpreted as a significant abdication of his responsibilities, depriving citizens of adequate representation.

Council discussions also addressed the mayor's troubling behavior, including unsubstantiated accusations against local business leaders and the promotion of conspiracy theories that have caused division within the community. Additionally, his use of social media for personal attacks against fellow council members was condemned, with calls for accountability and a return to respectful discourse.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to uphold the integrity of local governance and ensure that the citizens of Palm Coast receive the representation they deserve. Follow-up actions and further discussions on these issues are expected in upcoming meetings as the council seeks to restore stability and trust within the city's leadership.