A day after he pulled up his truck to City Hall and cleared his office, Mayor Mike Norris delivered what amounted to a Palm Coast Carnage address to a stunned audience at the State of the City Thursday evening at the Community Center.
A prickly, aggrieved, and paranoid-sounding Norris fabricated the story of a “blockade” of City Hall by homebuilders, attacked unnamed forces for allegedly orchestrating city employees’ complaints against him to drive him out of office, referred to land owners as “swamp peddlers” and challenged residents to chart a new course away from “people that have failed our community for more than 40 years.”
The city had never heard anything like it, and never had a mayor so isolated that he no longer speaks or meets with Interim City Manager Lauren Johnston or directors–an essential part of the job if the mayor is to make informed decisions outside his own echo chambers–and limits his interactions to the city clerk and assistants who keep his calendar.
Breaking with custom, Norris had kept his speech to himself until delivering it. City staff weren’t even sure he’d show up for the event, especially after he’d stripped his office. He’d not explained to anyone why he was packing up. Staffers suspect he was upset that items in there were moved. (He did not respond to a text or a phone call this morning.)
He turned up at the Community Center 5:15 p.m., not long before the event, and cursorily informed staffers that he’d speak briefly before freeing the stage for anyone else who wanted to speak.
State of the City addresses have never featured a prayer or an invocation. Norris requested one for the 2025 version. He had asked for Mark Schreiber, a pastor retired from the military, several weeks ago. Schriber’s bleak, hectoring words about discerning “between righteousness and wickedness” set the stage for what was to come. “We are god awful certain that our own reasonings are invincible until a second opinion arrives,” Schriber intoned with Lutheran gloom. “Remind us that arrogance always precedes a fall, and by insolence comes nothing but strife.”
Norris thanked Schriber by name but did not mention the name of Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Lorelei Kilmer (as Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri immediately did when she later took the stage), simply nodding for her to take the stage for the National Anthem. (That may have been an oversight. After her performance, Norris shook her hands, thanked her and presented her with a commemorative mayoral coin).
He then walked back to the stage and acknowledged only Sheriff Rick Staly, rather pandering, as “the highest ranking public servant” in the room (the sheriff is not higher ranking than any other constitutional officer except in salary) while ignoring other elected officials, his own colleagues included.
“This is to celebrate what we’ve done in the past year, all the positive things the city has accomplished over the past year,” he began. “We have tremendous employees with the city, and they do a great, great deal of work for us.”
He could’ve fooled everyone.
He then immediately called the city “challenged” and “under the mercy of the swamp peddlers,” his term for landowners, immediately attacking the “swamp peddlers” (a term he used three times in 180 seconds) for planning a costly sports complex on the west side of the city–the complex taxpayers rejected in a referendum, he said, while ignoring other needs.
“To date, I have not been approached by any major landowners that are willing to support broad-based industrial manufacturing development,” he said. (Local developers have complained that Norris refuses to speak with them.) “The mere mention of a moratorium on residential housing a couple of weeks ago at City Hall was met with a blockade of our City Hall by elements of the Flagler County Home Builders Association. Let that sink in. Our City Hall was blockaded by the building industry. Sheriff.”
“Elements” is usually a pejorative term used in the context of insurgencies or civil wars, and is associated with illegitimate actors. He added: “How often have you heard of our sheriff having to deploy canines to ensure our city hall is safe for residents and staff? This is what is called intimidation and coercion of a government body and civilian population.”
There was no blockade. No one’s movement was impeded–not cars, not individuals. No one felt intimidated. There was a quiet, civil, unobtrusive demonstration, an orderly line-up of work trucks on both sides of one street leading to City Hall, punctuated by small clusters of rank-and-file workers here and there. Some of them spoke to the council that morning to oppose the building moratorium Norris was proposing. None lacked courtesy. It was no different than any demonstration about any issue of concern, except that builders tend to have bigger hardware.
There was a level of hypocrisy to Norris’s claims. The March 18 City Council meeting was preceded by calls from Norris’s own partisans for a show of force at City Hall. Though he said he had nothing to do with it, he disseminated the call on his own social media page. The builders and their supporters showed up in larger numbers. The stepped-up security was not over concerns that builders would get out of hand, but that Norris’s supporters would (as FlaglerLive confirmed with sheriff’s officials before the meeting).
“We have organizations in our community encouraging city employees to file trumped up HR charges to force a duly elected mayor out of office,” Norris continued, again without evidence, his jittery body language and halting delivery speaking their own message.
Several employees starting immediately after Norris was elected have filed complaints or documented incidents with the Human Resources Department, alleging rude, inappropriate, dismissive or demeaning conduct by Norris toward employees. He has described it all as employees misunderstanding his humor. (See: “Mayor Norris In Pattern of Offensive Behavior Toward Staff Since November, Internal Complaints Show.”)
“These are the headwinds that I have faced in the first few months of being in office,” Norris said to the Community Center audience. “It’s challenging to say the least. In closing, I will leave you with this. Our city’s theme for today’s State of the City is charting a new course. Are we as a community going to allow the same people that have failed our community for more than 40 years to chart that course for us, or are we going to do it?
Brightness and an authentically celebratory tone returned to the stage when Pontieri took it, delivering the speech the mayor should have. Johnston, the acting city manager, Staly, Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill spoke, with Johnston highlighting most of the year’s achievements before Norris joined Council member Ty Miller and Pontieri for the customary awards portion.
Pontieri announced the Public Safety Award for Flagler County Sheriff Chief Deputy Joe Barile. Norris was supposed to introduce the Citizen of the Year Award. Johnston did instead, with Norris merely handing Bill Butler, the city’s former landscape architect, the plaque. Miller announced the Next Generation Award to Stephen Wilcox, “an Eagle Scout and dedicated member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 400” who installed mini free libraries at some of the city’s more prominent public buildings.
Johnston announced the Employee of the Year Award, which went to Dan Niemann, a lead operator at the city’s beleaguered Waste Water Treatment 1–the challenge and headwind the mayor may have more accurately referred to.
“As we close tonight’s program,” Johnston, not the mayor, told the audience, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you—for your passion, your dedication, and your belief in the future of Palm Coast. Together, we are charting the course for a city that is stronger, more connected, and ready for whatever lies ahead.”
Callmeishmael says
Looks like somebody shit in their mess kit again.
Nike Morris says
The no honor Mayor Norris acted like a baby last night. His true colors are being shown real fast and his downfall will be an example for future mayors of what “Not to do”. Blaming City Employees of taking bribes or fabricating HR complaints that have a timeline are proof of what a terrible leader he is. This is disgusting to make these claims about staff. The guy will end up costing the taxpayers more money when these employees sue for slander. He should step down immediately, he is not fit to be a leader for our City and lies through his teeth. He should not only pack up his office but also his Trash can self out of town and let a true leader in that will lift employees and residents up through tough times.
JC says
Angry boomer being a boomer. Just like most of the city: Angry boomers with little things to do but complain and have no hobbies besides blowing up people’s Nextdoor feeds.
D says
As we’ve seen “build baby build” is the theme in this city. Without regard to the failing infrastructure and the rising utility costs. All these stick built homes. Let’s see what’s going to happen when hurricane season comes. The builders will have made their profits and the companies that provide the mortgages are the ones who will suffer if people can’t pay. We haven’t learned anything from the past.
Nina matey says
Palm coast will lose a brave mayor if he is forced to step down. Mayor Norris tried his hardest to do the right thing, but there are too many money hungry real estate developers seeking to overwhelm our infrastructure and roads not interested in the welfare of our community. Mayor Norris if more residents took the time to listen to your suggestions, our community might have been preserved.
Kennan says
Brittle.
Justbob says
Out of a Trump grievance playbook. Does he need any help packing his truck?
Justbob says
Right out of a Trump grievance playbook. Does he need help loading up his truck?
Judith G. Michaud says
Well folks , what did you expect with another Republican ? Buyers regret already ?
Denise Henry says
When is anything as rosy as the picture is painted? Palm Coast DOES have major challenges and was highlighted at this address with the rate hikes in utility set for twice this year! Is this something to be proud of?? Apparently the generation of feel good about everything and being rewarded for just participating (not about the excellent job done). Seems everyone who works for our city does not like criticism so they just write complaints to HR. Well other city council members maybe you should asked to see complaints written about each and everyone of you! And if anyone thinks there is nothing nefarious about complaints filed against the Mayor before he was sworn in better think twice! Yet, it is okay for the acting city manager and other city staff to just respond to residents with a resounding NO and no explanation. Rude and a sign they do not want to be questioned. We’re are their manners?? Yet, they want treated with kid gloves! My question to Ms. Johnston if you are doing such an “excellent” job as I heard last night, why didn’t you apply for the City Manager’s job permanently? I do not know the Mayor personally and never met him until the swearing in ceremony at the Council Meeting, but I can say I voted for him because of his stance reflected things I believed for our city. All of you should be ashamed.
RK says
What can we do to support Mayor Norris. We need him to continue telling the TRUTH !
Steve Verrier says
I just saw that city mgr. Johnston declined in writing a FL state DOGE Dept. offer to audit the beleaguered city; stating in her reply in other words that we are experiencing no financial matters of concern? How can that reply go unchallenged by our community? How dare our leaders decline this offer by the state?
James says
Mayor Norris is terrible and his address to the community was extremely inappropriate. His bandwagon comments on everything as though he’s the second coming of Christ. He brought the fuel depot forward, he made those comments to staff, but he never looks in the mirror…it’s always somebody else’s fault. He’s just being who he is, which is fine in the normal world, be crazy and wear your tin foil hat and talk about conspiracies. But as Mayor, he’s single-handedly screwing this city up. Fun times.
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
No surprise with how he acted during the Election.
Yet again, you get what YOU Vote for.
Call me Embarrassed says
I was so embarrassed for the City and our residents and the great employees who had to sit through the not-so-great mayor’s farewell speech last night. It was deplorable.
Even some of his supporters in the audience couldn’t believe his unruly and damning words for what has always been an uplifting and gracious occasion.
His handlers no longer seem to have a handle on his off-the-wall remarks and their speechwriting lacks luster.
I guess he won’t be available for my Wednesday at 1pm appointment to discuss the wonderful speed-calming devices on Cimmaron and Florida Park Drive.
Buh-bye….
Fernando Melendez says
Dark days are upon us as a city. Norris needs to GO!! All eyes are upon us and are laughing at us. Sad dark days.
Critical Eye says
So Norris pulled up in his truck and packed up all his shit in it. Hopefully that means he quit as mayor. If not he has to be fired. Seriously, what kind of rational person conducts themselves in such an immature manner.
Oh wait… it’s Mike Norris. The loose cannon, who will undoubtedly implode any minute now. The guy can’t even put a full sentence together or read what he wrote without stumbling and stuttering all over the place. His words are senseless and just plain mean spirited He has no communication skills whatsoever , no class, no scruples, no compass between what is right and acceptable behavior and what is considered completely unacceptable.
He obviously hates Palm Coast and everyone that lives in it. He should be embarrassed of his actions he displayed at the “State of Palm Coast” last night. Shame on him for using the platform as his crying post. He has destroyed the image of Palm Coast. As mayor he is unsuitable. The absolute worst public servant, more especially a mayor, Palm Coast has ever had.
Tony says
Sounds like Palm Coast answer to DonOLD tRUMP
B. Ejnes says
Why did he clean out his office? Is he quitting?
t.o. Doug says
Clearly a bad look. His dour message was an unwelcome contrast to an event like that. He also seems to be slipping into paranoid vernacular.
Given all of that- he’s absolutely right about the unbridled development in this city and he’s right about the resources wasted on westward expansion. Is someone a little less insulated and a little better at public speaking standing up to take on that cause? I don’t see them.
tulip says
I’d like to know if Norris quitting like B. Ejnes asked.
David Schaefer says
Mr Critical Eye you can Trumper and Alfin to your list.
John B says
He was the only council member to ask the question, “is the cost to upgrade the present sewerage system enough to meet our future needs?” . As it turned out, NO . Also it would not cover the already approved lots once built on.
We should also be upset with our city staff for presenting such a short sited proposal.
This city is in the hands of the developers at all levels. The city is in a financial crisis. Now they are looking at a venture to fund a sports center which favors the developers.
When are we going to stop this.
James says
Don’t necessarily agree with how he says it… or how he has carried himself (so far at least) in the job of Mayor… but his position on a few of the issues does still make sense to me.
Unfortunately, just another case of a person whose temperament is just not a good fit for the job.
Just an opinion.
Larry says
Did Mayor Norris resign? If he was seen cleaning out his office, then it sounds like he’s not coming back to work.
If he doesn’t show up going forward and stops doing any city work, what is the process for cutting the cord officially and realizing he’s no longer the mayor?
Tired of it says
Well, republicans you got what you voted for. As usual with republicans, throw a hissy fit when things don’t go your way or when you don’t get obedience from your subordinates. What actionable, concrete plans has he presented? Does he have an actual vision for the city’s future? If not…just quit.
Same ole says
Another comical chapter in this joke of a wanna be city
Willy James says
Where is Ed Danko when we need him?
Bill says
Funny! Since Mike voted no for the fuel terminal and development, he will be immediately dismissed by the city officials and big-time developers. Within a few weeks they will get a new mayor they can control and will vote and OK Everything for development. Palm coast is a corrupt town run by foreign developers
Critical Eye says
Here’s the interview on YouTube from 3 weeks ago where Mike Norris stated he never wanted to be mayor in the first place . And he tells why. But hey you folks that voted for him fell for it. He has to be fired.
https://youtu.be/i8M4CgQazK0
Atwp says
Republicans Republicans you all are the worse party in my life time.If he does quit, who will replace him? Do we have a Democrat ready? I love when Republicans make themselves look immature and silly. It falls from the top. Look at D.C. look at Tallahassee and look at Palm Coast, all Republican leaders, all immature and acting very silly. I just love it, makes my day. A special group of men running the country, and people think they are perfect, anytime this group of men look silly it makes feel so good to see their silliness and immaturity. Just love it. What a great clown show, Republicans are the biggest lying losers worst leaders of all times. Hey Republicans you got what you voted for, non leading silly immaturity, from the so called White House to the failing Palm Coast House.
polysci says
I voted for Norris despite some of the negative comments about him. For me my choice was simple given his rivals. He is a little rough around the edges. But during the election he referenced over development. And I think many agreed with that . So it was a pleasant surprise when he went ahead and called for a moratorium, and I think besides myself many others supported that. But all of a sudden all these charges of rudeness to staff from as far back as November before he was sworn in come out. Suddenly charges against Norris are announced by Gamburo. Gamburo, our unelected council member appointed by our previous council members who are thankfully no longer with us. Conspiracy? Who knows? But after the M word this guy didn’t stand a chance. Who runs Palm Coast? Not us.
Purveyor of Truth says
Mike Norris please choose one.
I am resigning effective immediately to…
1. Pursue other opportunities.
2. To focus on my health.
3. To spend more time with family.
4. To help build wells in Tanzania.
TRUTH says
Can you work trucks SLOW DOWN on our roads! Cement and work
trucks coming down Belle Terre Blvd at 60-70 mph one of you nearly
hit a car in the opposite lane the other day since you were going
so fast and misjudged the lane.
Dr. Frazier Crane.... says
When will the Governor remove him. The City will never function the way this guy runs things. He needs anger management help.
The worst Mayor ever….
B Slapper says
Just to clarify for some wishful thinkers and drama seekers:
Mayor Mike is not stepping down, some of you
ill informed up your butt drama seekers, the Mayor
does not have to tell you every single move he makes,
he cleared his office for a video so that his personal
belongings would not be damaged therefore all of you
Mayor hater fish mouths now can MOVE ALONG and
get a life.
Hammock Bear says
This issue is not and should not be about political parties against each other. In an earlier article it was stated that the Mayor went into his office and found some things had been rearranged and he had not given anyone permission. Perhaps he then cleaned out his office to relocate it to a more secure setting. All the negative and petty comments verbally attacking the Mayor were not necessary. How rude and lacking in values of being role models to the younger residents of Palm Coast. The recent big truck demonstration regarding the Mayor’s suggestion of a moratorium on building was full of drama and people got their message. The Mayor surely has heard hundreds of complaints from the neighbors in the new homes areas that need serious attention and repairs. Instead of many ganging up on him and in the comments here, we all could try to get along and listen to each other and help Palm Coast and Our Mayor to get things in order. As adults everyone should at least try.
RM says
Mr Norris had courage to speak the truth! Unfortunately people don’t like to hear truth. How can you turn the city around if you never face and confront TRUTH! The ropes are held tightly by money and compromises. My Father taught me to never compromise truth. We all have to face Jesus one day, HE will separate the sheep from the goats. Justice will come – if not in this world, it will come in the next. To those compromising, ignoring the truth, do you really want to take that chance? Very sad the city and council will not stand up to the developers.
The dude says
Why didn’t Johnson apply for the city manager’s job?
Two reasons.
You.
The City Council.
Ok, really that’s just one because the city council is representative of you… the old boomers of Palm Coast.
You get what you vote for. And you’ve voted for chaos and incompetence as long as I’ve been paying attention to Palm Coast politics.
You MAGA morons are also the reason no outsiders want to come here and take the job. In the end, you’ll end up with exactly the person you deserve in that job. And it won’t be pretty.
NJ says
My Realtor LIED to me about this “SHIT HOLE” called Palm Coast!! Even stated that my house at the closing that there were NO code violations! Using a Watson Realtor Map; stated that the land between US 1 and Railroad Track was SWAMP land that could NOT be developed! God finally said NO to her LIES and she Died in a vehicle accident! BEWARE all realtors: your Judgement Time is coming!
Kids cancer charity says
Do republicons look for morons, pedofiles, and felons or are they just naturally attracted to the hate and divisiveness ?
Facts vs Hate says
RM,
Thank you for confirming the cultish, holier than thou, authoritarian, blind devotion to Mike Norris aka YOUR Jesus.
Fact: there’s a better than 50% likelihood that your and Norris’ ITT lot is built on a swamp, just look on google earth vs a new community. Notice Something? Your lot has 60 year old failing sewer or pep tank pipes that are being directly subsidized by the developers and homeowners in new communities. Your swale system produces far more contamination and pollution than an entire new community who paid for master engineered filtration ponds and are again subsidizing your swale maintenance via stormwater tax (note their HOA pays for the maintenance & their tax pays for your).
Fact: you pay one the lowest property tax rates in the state on the backs of new, fully assessed homeowners who actually pay double your tax and probably produce a job or two.
Fact: Norris ran on Fake but fun False Narratives, never produced the first quality job (much less with benefits) and now is facing the reality that his backers have to double down on trumpeting “corruption at city hall” and openly justifying Norris’ completely inappropriate behavior & blatant lies. Perhaps a different Jesus would be grateful and invite new citizens, no matter their skin color & housing type to church vs destroying young workers livelihoods and families striving for the same future the fully pensioned Norris has…..maybe just maybe those folks can one day have a home of their own just like you.
Tired of it all says
We need to get rid of all political parties. Everyone should just be competent or incompetent. I’m an NPA. I’ve voted for 25 years. I’ve filled in the circle next to Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Green, and write-in candidates. I don’t care about the label. I care about the idea. I hate labels. I’m me, a human, born in this country, in 1980. My sexuality, my gender, my skin color, my nationality, none of that define me. They are a part of me that doesn’t change and is non-negotiable. What does change are my ideas because I grow, and learn, and educate myself on topics.
We’re not meant to stay the same. Our purpose as humans is not being born, living, and then dying. Our entire purpose is growth, and change, and being decent. I’m hazy on the whole one-god thing because the universe is massive. Something created all of this and whatever or whoever did, doesn’t care if I wear jeans and a hoodie 365, or if I found happiness, and been with my partner for 25-years and counting. Am I treating others with kindness and compassion? Am I growing as a person? Or am I aggrieved, and angry, and hateful, and spiteful because so-and-so doesn’t look like me, or act like me, or think like me, or critiques me? That type of behavior is selfish. It’s small-minded. It makes you look foolish, and immature, and incapable of being the adult in a room. I want leaders I respect and admire. No one is perfect and I’m not asking for perfection. I want decency, and kindness, and empathy, and someone that works for all people, not just a select few that offer money, and praise.
proMayor says
The developers of Palm Coast are not our friends. The new mayor of a city being sued by the FL department of environmental protection for overdevelopment is in the right to call for a stop to the cozy relationship between the city employees sleeping in the same bed with developers. I have never been involved with local politics but will be sending my contact info to the mayor to see how i can help his campaign. He pulled his support for the fuel depot to represent us, and called for a building moratoreum. He has his fingers on the pulse of this city and is making really hard decissions to represent the majority in the face of bully corporate tactics. No doubt the corrupted city employees and “representatives” in the pockets of developers are doing everything they can to try and stop him from representing us. Glad he is made of tougher stuff than most.