The Volusia County Council on Nov. 18 heard hours of public comment on a proposal from the council chair to memorialize conservative commentator Charlie Kirk with a roadway designation. Following broad, often emotional testimony both supporting and opposing the idea, the council voted unanimously to table the measure indefinitely and directed staff to draft a formal policy and public process for future memorial designations.

Chair Brower introduced three possible options for a designation — a segment of Maytown Road, a segment of County Road 3 near De Leon Springs and the Deltona amphitheater — and said the aim was to remind residents of civil discourse. A video presentation and remarks framed the proposal as honoring free speech and political engagement; many speakers in the room, however, sharply disagreed with that characterization.

Opponents’ concerns

Opposition came from a wide cross section of the county, including religious leaders, veterans, community organizers, longtime residents of Osteen and DeLand, and many who described themselves as local volunteers. Themes included:

- Kirk’s national rhetoric: multiple commenters quoted public statements they described as racist, misogynistic or otherwise divisive and argued that a county memorial would signal endorsement of those positions.
- Local context and history: residents of Osteen and Maytown urged the council not to place a memorial in historic, predominantly African American neighborhoods and asked the county to prioritize local contributors to the community instead.
- Process and timing: many speakers said the item had been placed on the agenda by the chair without sufficient local consultation and urged a pause for a formal policy and community engagement.

Supporters’ themes

Those who favored a dedication said the proposal would affirm free speech, encourage civic engagement and honor a public figure whose ideas resonated with many young conservatives. Several younger speakers said Kirk inspired political participation among campus students and local youth groups.

Council action

Councilman David Santiago moved to table the item indefinitely and to direct staff to prepare a policy framework for memorial designations (procedures, community outreach and criteria). Jake Johansen seconded for discussion; the amended motion (direct staff to prepare options and public process) passed unanimously 6–0. Chair Brower and other members expressed appreciation for the community turnout and said the policy would ensure wider public input on future dedications.

What to expect next

Staff will return with proposed policy options for how the county will consider memorials and road dedications going forward, including community notification and criteria for honorees. Until that policy is adopted, the specific dedication proposal is on hold.

Ending

The tabled motion and the council’s direction reflect a preference to create a transparent countywide process for memorial designations rather than move forward with a contentious, single‑item dedication.