Twice charging Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris with “malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, and incompetence,” the rest of the Palm Coast City Council today issued a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, asking him to suspend Norris from office and appoint an acting mayor in his place.
It would be an unprecedented step, certainly for Palm Coast or any Flagler County government, but not in Florida. While a governor will suspend an elected official for committing a felony, DeSantis in 2022 suspended Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren, and in 2023 suspended Orange and Osceola counties State Attorney Monique Worrell. Neither had committed a crime. Neither had a record of misconduct. DeSantis suspended both over their decisions as state attorneys.
Both Warren and Worrell are Democrats. Norris is a Republican. The issues with Norris are related to his conduct–or misconduct, according to an independent investigation–and what the cost of that misconduct in actual dollars to taxpayers.
“As conservative representatives who have voluntarily taken part in the State’s DOGE efforts,” the letter states, “we hold with the utmost importance the best use and protection of taxpayer dollars. The Mayor’s actions have cost our residents[] tens of thousands of dollars since being elected in November of 202[4], and despite our voiced concern for this waste of tax dollars, Mayor Norris recently stated during a public meeting that he didn’t care if his actions cost the City a million dollars—he would continue onward. For these reasons, we urge you to take action to immediately suspend Mr. Norris from office and to appoint a temporary replacement to fulfill the duties of Mayor.” (The hyperlink was not part of the letter, which included several exhibits.)
The letter appealed to the governor’s affinity for the state’s version of the federal Department of Government Efficiency, which has been auditing certain local governments or agencies–not in Flagler County, though the letter’s intimation is that Norris’s actions are hurting the city’s finances.
The letter cites his recent lawsuit against the city and Council member Charles Gambaro, whose appointment Norris was contesting. Norris lost the lawsuit. It cost the city about $30,000 to defend. Norris said he would not pay any of it. An independent investigation of Norris’s misconduct toward city staff, including conduct that violated the city charter, cost $15,000.
The letter to DeSantis notes that Norris is represented by Anthony Sabatini, the Mt. Dora lawyer and not particularly a friend of the governor’s. On Thursday, Sabatini filed a motion for a rehearing of the Norris lawsuit, which may add legal costs to taxpayers and almost certainly lead to the same result against Norris, who was found to have no standing to file the lawsuit to start with. (A motion for rehearing, typically denied, suggests an appeal to the 5th District Court of Appeal will be next.)
The council members’ letter makes the point: “What made this situation even more egregious was that the Mayor was repeatedly advised by the City Legal Department that he had neither standing to bring such a lawsuit nor merit in his position, yet when asked if he was previously advised of such during a public meeting, and lied to both the City Council and to the public, stating that he was never advised.”
The letter was signed by Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri and Council members Gambaro, Dave Sullivan and Ty Miller. The council voted 4-1 to approve sending the letter last week. Norris dissented. It was signed only today by Pontieri, an attorney whose signature was delayed by an ongoing, unrelated (and less controversial but more consequential) case involving a different elected official in Flagler County.
The four council members are asking for a suspension, not removal, suggesting disciplinary rather than terminal intent, and leaving it to the governor’s discretion to decide how long that suspension should be. But the approach may forge untested legal grounds.
The council members cite five reasons to relieve Norris of duty. The first is “Unsafe Behavior and Harassment,” such as his demanding the unilateral resignation of Interim City Manager Lauren Johnston and Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo (DeLorenzo has since taken a job as assistant city manager in Palm Bay with former Palm Coast City Manager Matthew Morton, who resigned in 2021).
The second is “Dereliction of Duties and Responsibilities of the Office of Mayor.” The letter cites Norris’s declaration at a council meeting that he would no longer fulfill his responsibilities on committees, with one exception, as other council members do, and that he has “repeatedly failed to attend ceremonial occasions as required by the City Charter,” or meet with city staff, including the city manager–whom he refuses to have meetings with–to get briefed on city issues, or economic development investors.
The letter does not mention that the mayor has also refused to hold the meetings–more than a hundred a year–his predecessors held with civic, neighborhood and non-profit organizations as part of a mayor’s routine ambassadorial role in the city.
Nor does the letter mention Norris’s refusal to take part in a series of town hall meetings the city organized for all council members through the summer. Norris opted to hold his own town hall at a private venue (next Monday) and specify in social media messaging that it was not sponsored by the city. Norris has previously accused city staff of spying n him, and chose to interview two prospective candidates for city manager by his pick-up truck’s tailpipe rather than use his office at City Hall.
The letter’s third justification for suspension is the “frivolous lawsuit” (a term repeatedly used by Gambaro). The fourth is the ethics complaint the council filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics, a complaint stemming from many of the issues cited above. And the fifth are the two censure votes the commission took, making Norris the only elected official in Flagler County history, municipal or county, ever to be censured, let alone twice in three months.
“All of these examples demonstrate a pattern of malfeasance, misfeasance, dereliction of duty, and incompetence that has irreparably harmed—and continues to harm—the City of Palm Coast and Flagler County,” the letter states.
In a clause very likely inspired or required by Pontieri, who showed great unease and reluctance in calling for the removal of an elected official absent criminal behavior, the letter continued: “We do not take lightly the sanctity of elections, and we hold dear the right of our citizens to elect their representatives. However, Mayor Norris has shown a complete disregard for our City Charter, the importance of governing as one part of a five-member elected body, and the duty to protect and safeguard taxpayer dollars.”
The letter was distributed to the council members by email, and electronically signed by them.
Andy Montgomery says
What a tar and feather job!!!!!!
I cannot believe that a 20 year military veteran Christian that taught a my Alma Mata, Georgia Institute of Technology was leap on his sword, as Mike Norris has on stage.
I feel sorry for all his constituents who are watching Mikes melt down.
I know this, if you enjoy watching anyone meltdown, Crazy Andy got no use for you.
I’m saddened the council, not Mayor Norris, had to iniate the removal of dissension, anxiety and unprofessional support of the mayors city employee team.
🌈😎👀 crazy Andy
Diana McLemore says
I am praying that Governor Ron DeSantis does what needs to be done – enough is enough !!
James says
‘”… we urge you to take action to immediately suspend Mr. Norris from office and to appoint a temporary replacement…”‘
Appoint a temporary replacement?
Emergency election sounds more appropriate… sorta like the city charter suggests for most other instances when replacing the mayor.
Hadn’t realized it before, but the election exception for mayor… and note, we do not have a “strong mayor” local government… makes no sense.
But what’s new here, right?
Under a “weak mayor” system like ours, the mayor has no more power or importance than any other council member. Hence, it would seem logical that either all council member seats be subject to an immediate public snap election when replacement is necessary, or none.
Just an opinion.
Ed Danko, former Vice-Mayor, PC says
The council’s letter to the Governor clearly speaks for a large majority of Palm Coast citizens. Mayor Norris has already wasted enough of our taxpayer dollars, and the fact that he has stated publicly that he’s willing to spend $1 million more on this nonsense tells us everything we need to know. It is time for “Million Dollar Mike” to finally do the right thing and resign and avoid the embarrassment of being removed by our governor.
James says
Ah yeah… or is it the other way around?
Something doesn’t add up anyway in my opinion. Either we have a weak mayor with a weak council, and hence, the need for a professional city manager. Or we have a weak mayor and strong city council and no need of a professional city manager.
Since it appears we have the former, the point I was expressing is that ALL council members should be replaced by public vote… not by appointment.
Just a clarification.
FlaPharmTech says
Woot woot! This is also the lede story on Daytona News Journal. Way to go, Palm Coast.
Thank you, flaglerlive, for doing what you do.
Seaglass.... says
Norris needs to be removed, he cost us taxpayers money.
He is a joke.
Stop the bleeding and pull this jerk.
He is not a Mayor just some asshole that thinks he is a great Mayor.
Please Governor DeSantis remove Mike Norris.
Please….
.
joe says
” ‘Malfeasance, Misfeasance, Neglect of Duty, and Incompetence’ “???
Damn, he’s qualified for a Cabinet post!
Has anyone told Trump he might be available? He’d be a perfect fit – Trump only hires the best, right?
Greg says
We will just elect him again.
Samuel L. Bronkowitz says
One quick look at both parties and the governor of this state should demonstrate that those are the desired characteristics of leadership in the united states, not reasons for removal. He should consider a presidential run.
John Stove says
I dont hold a high hope that our Moron of a Republican Governor who has his own issues will agree to suspend or remove another Moron of a local Republican Mayor. It just “not cool” to kick a fellow Moron out of the club especially when the President of the Moron club (Orange Face felon in Washington) is still around.
One can hope that the supposed party of “Law and Order” will actually follow thru and do something legit once in a while instead of illegal things.
Sparks says
Witchhunt!!!!
Jim says
I’ll be surprised if DeSantis suspends or removes Norris. Republicans just don’t do that. To get suspended or fired, you have to be a Democrat. Watch and see.
Critical Eye says
It’s obvious Mike Norris is not capable of being mayor nor does he want to be.
His main intent is to cause chaos and destruction and to collect an easy salary.
By manipulating his very gullible and naïve supporters with exaggeration ms and out and out lying to them with the hopes of picking up a few more brain dead people along the way so he can twist them into believing there are unjustified problems within City Hall, which is pure fantasy and unadulterated nonsense which has no relevance or substance of proof.
Norris is not capable of carrying out his duties as mayor. . He’s lazy and uneducated and lacks the drive and ability. He doesn’t know how to get along with people and he failed at his power wash business He just needs the money. That’s all
Mike Norris doesn’t give a damn about Palm Coast or the community.
Every week he comes up with something unexpected.
He’s laughing at all his supporters.
Atwp says
Warren, and Worrell, both Democrats neither committed a crime. They were suspended. I believe Worrell is an African American. Why would anybody in their right believe the Republican Governor would suspend another Republican. It might happen but I don’t think it will. I do love to see Republicans fighting against each other. Hopefully this is a preview of things to come in the Republican Party. Would like to see a large blue wave next year.
Laurel says
“”As conservative representatives who have voluntarily taken part in the State’s DOGE efforts,” the letter states, “we hold with the utmost importance the best use and protection of taxpayer dollars.””
And there you are. More Trump sycophants. These four council members seem to forget that Norris was VOTED in, and they want a daddy to remove the guy, screw the constituents, and screw the law.
“”We do not take lightly the sanctity of elections, and we hold dear the right of our citizens to elect their representatives. However…”
Yeah, *however*.
Atwp says
Love to see Republicans fighting in-house. Anything to make Republicans look bad makes me feel good. Go ahead Republicans fight against yourselves, I love it. Good job immature adult child behaving Republicans.
Dennis C Rathsam says
THESE 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL BE VOTED OUT ! One shouldnt even be on the council, nobody voted for him.
PeachesMcGee says
STOP BUFFOONERY!
🤪🤪
RKBSJO says
Why has Mike Norris banned Pierre Tristan/Flaglerlive from his “invitation only” locked door meeting at the VFW ?
What is Norris afraid of?
Why does Norris run away and hide ?
Why does Mike Norris constantly lie all the time directly to the persons he is lying about?
There’s something dreadful wrong with him that’s why.
Ya’ll know, just like Mike Norris knows he doesn’t stand a chance of winning his fight against the city . He knew it from the start of his campaign.
#1 Norris and his wife were in desperate distress for the salary offered for mayor
since they both failed at each of their separate home based businesses.
With the help of a few other desperate people they concocted a scheme
They would seek out the most desperate people they could find.
Norris knowingly made impossible promises to them all the while knowing he would never be able to accomplish
With several misguided souls he located he was able to convince into helping him become the elected mayor of Palm Coast all under the guise of keeping his intentions secret and only answering questions in secret meetings.
Just like he is still doing.
BTW he would have lost the election miserably if there hadn’t been so many running for mayor and only reason Norris was able to win in the runoff between himself and Manfre was due to he and his cohorts spreading vicious lies against Manfre in Norris’s smear campaign
He won due to playing dirty politics.
Norris.s campaign manager Chase was actually the cult leader of Norris.s campaign
Norris along with his campaign manager and his cohorts fabricated stories, They used fake alias names. They told lies about anyone including citizens that dared disagree with them. They manipulated videos of his opponents and many other underhanded tactics
Norris and his cohorts used social media to spread lies and divide our once happy community. Those manipulated videos are still on YouTube.
Many of those “helpers” cohorts live in entirely different cities and states and have never stepped foot in Palm Coast
Too many secrets and lies from Norris are out there.
Stop being Mike Norris’s puppet s
Stop acting like the stupid fools Norris makes you look like
Since Mike Norris has came on the scene I have come to realize that just because someone served in the military, or claims to, doesn’t make them honorable or respectable.
I guarantee I will never donate anything or support the VFW in Palm Coast ever again. Mike Norris has left a deep scar on the backs of the military service members and vets living in our town.
What a shame when I used to hold them in the highest of regard.
Not anymore.
Not after how I have seen them disrespect our citizens and community and how they support this low down dirty scoundrel Mike Norris.
Mike Norris does not support or respect any one of us.
NJ says
Looks like the GREEDY Developers are WINNING again as they DESTROY the one elected person who was trying to Control the Poorly Planned Growth in this ONCE beautiful city! As a former member of a Planning Committee in a state that worked very hard to protect it’s Farms, Ranches, and Woodlands from being DESTROYED by Greedy Developers: I find hard to understand how the RINO Four would NOT stand up to the DEMANDS of the GREEDY Developers!! SHAME on the RINO Four!! Time for people of Palm Coast to take back control of this once Beautiful city or watch a “Wild House Fire” Destroy all the Wood framed houses on 40 ft wide lots being built West of US 1 and other sections in Palm Coast. WHO will help me fight to Protect our Beautiful City from the GREEDY Developers. As a Life long Conservative Republican I am asking your support to FIGHT the RINO Four!
JC says
NJ says: Do you have any idea how the structure of Palm Coast Government is? It seems like the answer is no from reading your comment. Also seems another angry boomer screaming on their keyboard with nothing to do due to the heat wave.
Karma says
Thank God I’m not a Palm Coast resident, and couldn’t care less about the intricate workings of a poorly managed city. But, I do enjoy reading about the internal collapse of a city that should have never been. It’s rather ironic that Palm Coast politics has created this mess and now they want the Governor to step in and clean it up by removing the very same person who won 63% of the vote. Palm Coast is the most laughable city in the state and singing the blues when then don’t get there way. Keep burdening the PC taxpayers with wasteful lawsuits until your city is bankrupt and implodes.
Give Norris The Finger says
I bet Norris will have his donation box at the ready upon entering his meeting. I bet there will be canned applause and cheering for him as well!
We’ll be home laughing at him and his group of Zombies!
VictorG says
Let’s face some facts. This past mayors race was the WORST mayoral field Palm Coast has ever had. Horrible choices. Norris who was a terrible candidate, made bad mistakes throughout the campaign. He violated private property numerous times. His saving grace? He wasn’t named “Alfin”.
In the general, he faced Manfre, a Democrat, whose family history made her a non-choice. Norris won because 1. He was a Republican and 2. He seemed like the least bad of a really bad bunch.
This belief that he is heavily supported “by the people” is a complete farce. Basically, you’ve got a bunch of loud mouths chanting “no more development” supporting him. Norris was always going to be bad, the hope was he wouldn’t be a complete disaster. We missed, Folks! This guy is almost completely insane.
Norris lied this weekend. The governor hasn’t denied anything. I don’t expect DeSantis to revoke Norris. Governors usually don’t want to get involved in local matters. Norris lied though, nothing has been “revoked”.
Norris has behaved like a complete idiot. How does someone with something as useless as “a Masters degree in Human Resources” not understand how to treat people? He’s mentally challenged. He has never understood that, as a Mayor, you would need people and need to get along with people to be successful.
Most of us would like nothing better than to not have anymore development. In the REAL world, that stance gets the City sued. You cannot stop people from doing what they legally are allowed to, with the property they own. Controlled development is the answer.
We have a group of “Republicans” who have no understanding of property rights. That lack of fundamental understanding makes them seem like overly emotional idiots.
The same group keeps screaming for a “forensic audit”! Here’s a thought, make a freedom of information request and pay for your own forensic audit. Spend your own money, creatures!
For those of us who are sane, we’d like to address real problems: water, sewer and stormwater. Let’s figure out how to maintain our infrastructure.
What we’d like to see is our wonderful County and City keeps its authenticity by making wise decisions about how our growth is managed.
Norris attitude and mouth aren’t getting anything worthwhile accomplished but, he gets his lunacy publicized. He’s been in office 8 months, that’s the only thing he’s accomplished.