Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris is snubbing both the July 4 parade and the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence alongside 15 elected officials, including all four of his council colleagues Friday as he continues to abdicate most of his office’s public responsibilities outside of council meetings.
Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri will anchor the Declaration ceremony, as she has an increasing number of city events since Norris’s strange, angry speech at the State of the City in April. Norris, who is suing the city, has abandoned all but one of his committee assignments. He has refused to take part in a series of town halls each of his colleagues is hosting. He continues to refuse to meet with Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston even to be briefed on city issues or to prepare for meetings.
A short meeting he requested with Johnston earlier this week did not change that: he complained about media–and this site in particular–having more information about the city than he does, only to be reminded that he only had his self-isolation to blame. Norris has also limited his presence at City Hall, suggesting that staffers were spying on him.
The July 4 event at the airport is the culmination of the joint “United Flagler” celebration intended to bring together all local cities and the county in an apolitical birthday bash of patriotism. Pouting is usually limited to a few children who’d rather not sit through Jefferson’s jeremiad against King George before fireworks.
“We invited the local elected officials throughout the county,” a spokesperson said of the evening Independence Day ceremony at the county airport preceding the 9 p.m. fireworks. Traditionally, elected officials led by the mayor take turns reading portions of the Declaration of Independence.
All four council members will be there, as will four of the five county commissioners, three of the five Flagler Beach city commissioners, a Bunnell city commissioner, Sheriff Rick Staly, and both county court judges–Melissa Distler and Andrea Totten. “Mayor Norris is unavailable so Vice Mayor Pontieri will serve as Master of Ceremonies,” the spokesperson said. Norris also declined to participate in the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach’s parade in the morning down A1A, where three council members will represent the city.
“It might be important to note that we’re working with Jonathan Lord to keep our eyes on the weather,” the spokesperson said, referring to the county’s emergency management director. “It’s too soon to tell right now, but in the event of thunderstorms, we’ll either have to delay or cancel the ceremony portion of the event. We’ll likely make a decision late Thursday. Fireworks are not expected to be impacted.” The city doesn’t want to endanger the officials, who would be standing on a metal stage during the ceremony.
Norris is expected to be in court Thursday afternoon, when his case against fellow Council member Charles Gambaro–whom he considers illegitimately seated on the council–goes before Circuit Judge Chris France.
JimBr says
I think we should withhold his pay and benefits or at least cut them back. If he is only doing a part time job, it should be part time pay and benefits.
Call me Disappointed says
He knows he’s losing the lawsuit on Thursday and terrified of the jeers and boos emanating from the residents who are sick and tired of his tirades and threats and chaos only he himself has created. Next is the Ethics Commission citing him with fines and penalties then the Governor giving him the ax. Bye bye!👋
Richard Fay says
The citizens of Palm Coast, putting aside casting a ballot one way or the other, are being poorly served by Mr. Norris. Reading that Mr. Norris is not participating in ceremonial activities designed to reinforce our community’s commitment to the ideals of our founders and the aspirations built upon those ideals is an unfortunate turn of events. No doubt Mr. Norris is in a stressful situation; to rise to the occasion and be part of the community’s event is truly putting the best foot forward.
Critical Eye says
I don’t care if the tiny little short Mother (you know what) with Napoleon Syndrome never shows up to anything ever again. I get nauseous just looking at him and his ridiculous haircut. I wish he would go away and never come back. He’s disgusting, disgraceful and bad for Palm Coast. He ruins everything he touches. Good riddance Coward Mike.
Now we can add our Independence from Coward Mike to our Independence Day 4th of July Celebration.
Sparks says
You rhino haters can wait and see the results at tomorrow’s court hearing 1:15 Room 403! COME OUT AND SEE US.
Notthatsherry says
I don’t presume to know why the Mayor is not fulfilling all of the usual duties that historically is done and know one else should either. I do believe that the charter was not followed when the former council person quit. The previous council , directed by the city attorney, held the seat open until after the November 5 election. The charter states that the seat shall be open for election in the next regularly scheduled election. It does not state that council has any discretion in the matter. Alfin was not going to be re-elected and so he and the rest of the council along with city staff , did a work around. I hope the court sees that maneuver for what it was and sides with the Mayor.
Notthatsherry says
He will win tomorrow. I can’t wait!
Justbob says
Dereliction of duty by the little tin soldier.
Ed Danko, former Vice-Mayor PC says
Norris claims to be a patriot, yet he refuses to participate in the Fourth of July reading of the Declaration of Independence. He has also refused to do the job he was elected to do. Time for him to stop taking the so called “HUGE” paycheck that he complained about during the election! Now, this hypocrite pockets the money while failing to fulfill his duties! He needs to resign!
John says
Seems to me to be acting just like POTUS
Canary says
I can’t wait until the city signs it’s declaration of independence from King Mike.
fussy funkey says
Mayor Norris will win this case tomorrow and the way the staff and city council members have treated him
do you blame for not attending city How often did affin Danko clueless Nick Holland did not show for city
this case is about was the person brought in illegal or not and nothing more
and we have one city council person who has taken money from developers or people related to the field
I think Delronza left because he believes this case will be won by Norris
Greg says
The city is more like a clown show every day.
Nike Morris says
Cannot wait for Absent Anthony and Mini Mike to lose. Hope that lawyer took every penny from this goblin. His little pact of trolls that will attend will witness how wrong they are. (They will then blame the system is corrupt and go back to their unemployment harassing city staff at council meetings.) If Mini Mike was so innocent he would of stood strong and attended all his Mayoral Duties, but unfortunately his ego is bigger than him. (Not hard to do). Step down like Mini Mike…..(Well we can provide a step stool.)
Critical Eye says
Deserter = Mike Norris = Coward
Shut Danko Up says
More Danko backed lies. I have a suggestion for Flagler Live. Tell Danko to pack his lies away along with your failure to report the truth. It’s disgusting to read how biased your garbage is.
As far as Norris goes, I wouldn’t stand with snakes either. Keep fighting Mike!
PeachesMcGee says
Sadly, this veteran has no honor or integrity.
STOP BUFFOONERY!
David Barnett says
Who voted for this yuk
Linda C says
If you don’t show up to do your job you shouldn’t be paid. If you refuse to honor the position , then quit, retire, and go away.
This mayor has done nothing but cause friction and controversy since he stepped into office. He has no respect for the volunteers and traditions that were in place before him, and the success and pride brought to the City. He has destroyed the human spirit rather than encourage it.
Atwp says
Love to see politicians fight against each other. Enjoy when Republicans act immature. Just love this type of action. Fighting, wasted energy, no work getting done, i just love it. Wow what a day. Fight on Republicans fight on.
Larry says
This week we got 2 different Mike Norris related issues. Typically it’s a weekly occurrence to have Mike Norris initiated problems, but week we got 2.
This guy stirs up problems in ways that nobody could ever imagine and he does it constantly. Doesn’t even have the guts to read the Declaration of Independence.
Wonder what kind of shake-your-head situation Mike will stir up next week. Stay tuned for more Mike Norris chaos until he’s no longer Mayor.