Residents tell Kissimmee commission they faced retaliation after raising public‑records questions

Multiple residents told the Kissimmee City Commission they have faced retaliation after publicly asking questions about records and the use of taxpayer funds, alleging targeted code‑enforcement actions, social‑media bullying and publicizing private arrest records.

Lillian Evans said she asked lawful questions in the interest of transparency and then experienced actions she described as retaliation, including social‑media attacks and a code‑enforcement visit at her private property. "No resident should feel silence, monitored, personal targeted for speaking up," Evans said, urging the commission to protect civic participation rather than intimidate it.

Olga Carino said she witnessed a prior meeting in which she believed the board treated a constituent disrespectfully and said she viewed the subsequent code‑enforcement visit to Evans’ property as part of a troubling pattern of weaponizing government. Jose Barreto described his family as victims of damaging associations that circulated publicly and called on commissioners to show "courage" and to hold power in check.

Commissioners did not take immediate formal action during the meeting. Several members acknowledged tension in the room and said they wanted to focus on unity and working together; Vice Mayor Angela Eady urged cooperation and civility. The public comments were recorded by the clerk; no investigation outcome or staff response was provided on the record at this meeting.

Speakers asked the commission to ensure equal treatment under the City of Kissimmee Charter and to avoid selective enforcement that chills resident participation. The commission did not schedule a follow‑up during the meeting; residents indicated they would continue to pursue accountability through other authorities.