Brevard commissioners designate Oct. 14 as Charlie Kirk remembrance day after brief vote, drawing public criticism

The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 14 unanimously approved a resolution designating Oct. 14 as “Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day,” citing Kirk’s national activism and influence.

Commissioner Atkinson introduced the resolution, saying it recognized Kirk’s outreach to young people and described his faith and civic engagement. “Charlie launched a movement that will have beneficial impacts in our country for decades to come by engaging and energizing the youth that will lead our country in the future,” Atkinson said while reading the text of the resolution presented to the board.

The board voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution. The clerk recorded votes in favor from Commissioner Delaney, Vice Chair Goodson, Commissioner Atkinson, Commissioner Altman and Chairman Feltner.

The resolution drew immediate public comment during the meeting’s public-comment periods. Several speakers told commissioners they found the tribute inappropriate given statements Kirk made in public forums. Jen Sizemore, chair of the Brevard Democratic Executive Committee, told the board the resolution sent a message to marginalized residents. “Choosing to honor someone who says such things sends a message to women, to black residents, and to every marginalized group in Brevard that our voices and experiences don't matter,” Sizemore said.

Other residents at the meeting echoed concerns and described feeling demeaned by remarks they attributed to Kirk. Multiple speakers — including Julia Anton and others during the later public-comment block — said the county should avoid formal tributes to figures whose public statements they characterized as divisive.

Supporters who spoke at the meeting also described personal impacts from Kirk’s message. A student who identified herself as attending Eastern Florida State College thanked the commissioners for the designation and said Kirk’s views had changed her life.

The resolution text adopted at the Oct. 14 meeting praises Kirk’s “conservative principles,” “commitment to family and friends” and “engaging and energizing the youth.” The resolution document, as read into the record, states it was “done ordered and adopted in regular session this October 2025.” The resolution does not specify additional implementation actions or county expenditures.

Commissioners did not engage in extended debate at the dais before the vote; public testimony both for and against the resolution occurred in the public-comment portions of the meeting.

The county clerk’s roll-call record shows the motion to adopt the resolution was moved by Commissioner Atkinson and seconded by Commissioner Delaney; the motion passed by unanimous vote.

The board did not include further action tied to the designation in the meeting record.