Riviera Beach council approves Robert C. Felder ceremonial street name; debate flares over Bishop Masters nomination

Riviera Beach councilmembers on Nov. 3 voted to install a ceremonial sign honoring the late Robert C. Felder (Avenue S) and to send two other nominations—Bishop Thomas Masters and Devin Hester—for additional vetting. The Felder resolution passed unanimously after family members and residents described his decades of community service through J Outreach Ministries.

Development services staff told the council the street renaming policy requires nominees to meet at least two of three criteria (prominence for significant contributions, deceased five‑year rule or exceptional circumstances) and noted the city would keep existing street names for addressing and 911 operations while installing a larger ceremonial sign. Staff estimated sign production and installation at roughly $28,000–$29,000.

Public testimony was emotionally charged. William Washington, a former pastor, urged support for Bishop Masters and said longstanding allegations against the bishop were investigated and “proven false.” Others—including clergy and longtime residents—spoke at length in favor of honoring Masters’ decades of ministry and public service. Despite those appeals, Council voted down a motion to rename Avenue I for Bishop Masters after at least one council member cited unresolved historical concerns and voted against the measure. The council approved the Felder designation and asked staff to return with additional research on other nominations and policy changes that would limit the number or frequency of nominations.

Next steps: Staff will draft follow‑up research and, if the council wishes, amendments to the street‑naming policy (including limits on nominations and a possible civic monument alternative). The council directed that future ceremonial signs be reviewed by public safety and 911 for operational impacts before installation.