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Tensions flare at Orange City Council over mayor's social posts; councilmember withdraws from race
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Summary
Councilwoman Knight publicly criticized Mayor Kelly Marks's official Facebook posts and asked her to resign; Mayor Marks defended her posts. Council member Dawn T. Umsen submitted a letter withdrawing her candidacy for District 3, citing governance and conduct concerns. Residents urged communication training and an independent review during public comment.
A heated exchange over social media conduct and council decorum marked the end of the Orange City Council meeting on April 28.
Councilwoman Knight used her council comment period to criticize posts made from the mayor's official Facebook page and to question how those posts represented the council's actions. "When the mayor post inaccurate information from an account labeled 'Kelly Marks Orange City mayor,' it carries the weight of the office," Knight said, and she urged Mayor Kelly Marks to "reconsider and step down from your position." Knight challenged several specific assertions she called misleading, including statements about public works modular buildings and staff conditions.
Mayor Marks responded later in the meeting, defending her use of the official page as a form of speech and saying the posts contained factual material. "They were facts," the mayor said. She also said she would not resign.
The dispute followed public comments earlier in the meeting from residents who complained about official social media posts and asked for clearer conduct standards. Resident Laurie Scotton read examples of posts she described as "extremely unprofessional" and "targeting private citizens," and resident Carrie Donaway urged additional formal council training on communications, respectful conduct, public email use and social media boundaries.
Separately, Council member Dawn T. Umsen read a memorandum formally withdrawing her candidacy for Orange City Council District 3, citing concerns about "conduct and operational dynamics of the city" and saying she would not associate her campaign with an environment she described as lacking professionalism and accountability. Umsen asked the city clerk to forward the document to the Volusia County Supervisor of Elections.
What this means: The meeting made clear there is active disagreement among council members about official communications and governance norms. Residents asked the council for improved transparency and independent review when public trust is at stake; some council members suggested training and facilitated governance work, while others urged waiting until after the November election to pursue larger governance contracts.
Next steps: Council directed staff to bring some governance options back after the election and said training and strategic planning alternatives would remain under consideration.
Who said it: Councilwoman Knight; Mayor Kelly Marks; public commenters Laurie Scotton and Carrie Donaway; council member Dawn T. Umsen.
