Residents accuse commissioner of permit and ethics violations; commissioner urges formal process

Several residents used the public-comment period at the May 5 Kissimmee City Commission meeting to raise allegations of permit violations, conflicts of interest and improper use of office involving Commissioner Janet Martinez.

Jeremy Fetzer presented documents to the commission and described three claims: that Martinez operated a food business at a location without the required authorization, that the business used a commissary and licensing tied to another business address, and that Martinez notarized a city grant application for an entity with which she has a business relationship. Fetzer said those actions could constitute an "ostensible business relationship" and might violate notary statutes.

"Commissioner Martinez did not have legal authorization to operate Koki's Kitchen out of Kenny's Cakes at 10 West Dakin Avenue as outlined in my complaint," Fetzer said while pointing to documents in the agenda packet. "By doing so, she inserted herself directly into a city administered grant process and notarized a document for an individual with whom she has a business relationship. Under Florida law, that raises serious concerns and a potential second degree misdemeanor under the notary statutes." (Jeremy Fetzer, public commenter)

Other speakers, including Maria Virginia Garcia and Madeline Castiano, told the commission they felt targeted or that complaints were handled outside the commission rather than through local processes. The remarks tied into broader public requests for fairness and equal application of rules.

Commissioner Martinez responded in the meeting, acknowledging she had been served with a pending ethics removal proceeding related to Mayor Espinosa and saying she would provide documents to the clerk for the record. Martinez told the commission the Commission on Ethics will review the items raised and urged residents to use formal complaint channels.

"To Mr. Fetzer's comments, thank you, I appreciate it. Commission on ethics will take a look at that," Martinez said, adding that she would also provide transcriptions and documents if needed. (Commissioner Martinez)

The commission did not take any immediate enforcement action during the meeting. Martinez said anyone who believes wrongdoing occurred should continue the formal process with the Commission on Ethics and the special prosecutor, which she said would make determinations after investigation. The meeting record shows that concerns were logged in public comment and that the ethics process was the route recommended by both the commissioner and other participants.

The city clerk confirmed the public-comment submissions are part of the record and that the city would retain the documents submitted during the meeting. No criminal charge or formal finding was announced at the meeting; allegations remain matters for subsequent review by ethics investigators or other authorities.