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Meet Candidate #2 for Palm Bay City Manager: Matthew Thomas Morton Brings Innovation-Focused Leadership and Municipal Experience

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Palm Bay, FL – Matthew Thomas Morton, one of the eight finalists selected for public interviews in Palm Bay’s City Manager search, offers more than 25 years of public and private sector leadership, with a career defined by innovation, strategic partnerships, and municipal reform.

Morton previously served as City Manager of Palm Coast, FL, where he led a city of over 100,000 residents. His tenure was marked by the launch of MedNexus, a university-based public-private partnership focused on healthcare innovation, and the implementation of a new Salesforce-based CRM system that enhanced resident engagement and operational performance. He also navigated the city through the COVID-19 pandemic with a digital-first continuity strategy, resulting in less than 5% disruption to municipal services.

Morton resigned as Palm Coast’s city manager in May 2021, just days after then-Mayor Milissa Holland also stepped down. His resignation followed reports of “unruly” council meetings and broader public tension, according to local news coverage. At a subsequent council meeting, Councilman Victor Barbosa attempted to initiate Morton’s termination, citing allegations of misconduct. The motion was not seconded and ultimately failed. 

Prior to Palm Coast, Morton served as City Administrator in Duvall, WA, and Cle Elum, WA, where he gained extensive experience in infrastructure planning, labor negotiations, and emergency management. His achievements include major cost savings through process reengineering, expanding broadband and fiber access, and reorganizing city departments to improve efficiency.

Morton began his government career in Yakima County, WA, where he led strategic process reengineering efforts and coordinated interdisciplinary environmental and land use projects. He also co-chaired negotiations during union contract talks and helped modernize permitting systems.

Currently, Morton serves as an executive for land acquisition and development with Perihelion Group Consulting, LLC, and is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Flagler Veterans Village, a nonprofit providing transitional housing and support services for veterans in Flagler County.

He holds an Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) from the University of South Dakota and completed senior executive training at Harvard Kennedy School. His academic background also includes a Bachelor’s in Geography and Land Use Planning from Central Washington University, and continuing education in leadership, emergency response, and urban development. Morton is an ICMA-Credentialed Manager and a Florida licensed real estate professional.

In his application, Morton wrote:

“I have exceptional experience in strategic process reorganization with a keen focus on positioning our people and resources to best accomplish the tasks before us today, while also effectively preparing to meet the challenges of the future.”

He emphasized core values such as honesty, integrity, openness, and courage as guiding principles in both his professional leadership and personal conduct.

Morton was among the top picks of Mayor Medina, Deputy Mayor Jaffe, and Councilman Hammer during the March 20 City Council meeting, which ultimately narrowed the candidate pool to eight finalists. 

Morton currently resides in Palm Coast, Florida, and will participate in public interviews at Palm Bay City Hall on March 29. The City Council plans to make a final selection and extend a formal job offer by April 17.

Palm Bay Live will continue publishing individual candidate profiles throughout the week to help residents learn more about the contenders.

See related articles here: 

Meet Jason Brian Davis:

Meet Candidate #1 for Palm Bay City Manager: Jason Brian Davis Brings Two Decades of Government Leadership

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Meet Candidate #1 for Palm Bay City Manager: Jason Brian Davis Brings Two Decades of Government Leadership

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Palm Bay, FL – Jason Brian Davis, one of eight finalists selected for public interviews in Palm Bay’s City Manager search, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in both government and private sector operations. Known for his data-driven approach and commitment to community service, Davis currently serves as Deputy County Administrator in St. Lucie County, Florida.

In his current role, Davis manages major departments including Facilities, Parks & Recreation, Libraries, Water Utilities, and Mosquito Control, overseeing more than 400 employees and contributing to the management of a $760 million county budget. His achievements include launching a trades apprenticeship program, supporting long-term capital planning efforts, and playing a key role in policy updates and internal process improvements.

Davis has spent over 15 years in executive roles with Palm Beach County government, where he advanced from facilities management to Division Director. There, he led departments across construction, utilities, security, and fleet, and was instrumental in preserving the county’s AAA bond rating and spearheading award-winning operational initiatives.

Earlier in his career, Davis also spent more than a decade in the private sector, managing security and operations for high-profile facilities such as hotels, casinos, convention centers, and cruise ships. His work earned recognition from the Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies, and he played a leadership role in creating the Downtown Security Alliance.

Davis holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Florida State University. He is also a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Government Executive, among other credentials.

His resume emphasizes a focus on people-centered leadership and operational excellence. “I strive to foster a team environment with an empowered staff—a culture of excellence,” Davis wrote in his cover letter. “I pride myself on the diverse teams I have built and guided.”

Outside of work, Davis is active in community service, volunteering for organizations including the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, and Animal Care & Control. He has also served as a baseball coach at the high school, collegiate, and professional showcase levels.

Davis was among the top choices of Mayor Medina, Deputy Mayor Jaffe, and Councilman Hammer at the March 20 City Council meeting. That meeting, where the council ultimately voted to move eight finalists forward, featured moments of public criticism and intense debate over the selection process.

Davis lives in Port St. Lucie and will participate in public interviews on March 29 at Palm Bay City Hall. The City Council plans to make a final selection and extend a formal offer by April 17.

Palm Bay Live will continue publishing individual candidate profiles throughout the week to help residents learn more about the contenders.

See related article by clicking here: Palm Bay Narrows Down City Manager Search to Eight Finalists

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Special Elections in Brevard: Contested Races for Florida House District 32 and Senate District 19

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Palm Bay, FL – With two special elections set for 2025, Brevard County voters will soon decide who will fill open seats in the Florida House of Representatives District 32 and the Florida Senate District 19. The April 1 primary will narrow down Republican candidates for both races, followed by a June 10 general election. These vacancies come amid legislative reshuffling in Tallahassee, and both races have drawn significant community interest—especially around issues like health care, property insurance, and the ongoing debate about term limits.

In Florida House District 32, three Republicans are vying to replace longtime legislator Debbie Mayfield, who vacated her seat to run for Senate. The candidates include Dr. Terry Cronin, Brian Hodgers, and Bob White. Dr. Cronin is a longtime physician in the region, owning and operating the Cronin Skin Cancer Center with his father and niece. Cronin has served as president of several dermatology associations and has advocated for skin cancer patients in Washington, D.C. A Melbourne resident for most of his life, Cronin says he wants to ensure that “patients aren’t able to see their doctors of choice, and access to a physician has never been more difficult,” adding that as a state representative, he hopes to be “the patient’s voice in Tallahassee regarding healthcare.”

Brian Hodgers is a real estate broker, insurance agent, and Florida native who describes himself as a “lifelong conservative.” He is focused on bringing down insurance rates and property taxes and aims to protect Brevard’s waterways while standing firmly with President Trump’s America First agenda. Bob White, meanwhile, has lived and served in Brevard for 38 years and has led the Republican Liberty Caucus for over 16 years. White’s platform centers on strong border defenses, reducing overdevelopment, and remedying what he calls “the insurance crisis.” He has drawn endorsements from figures such as Congressman Byron Donalds and Gun Owners of America.

Because Florida holds “closed primaries,” only registered Republicans who live in District 32 may vote in the April 1 GOP primary. The winner will go head-to-head with Hinojosa, the lone Democrat in the race, on June 10.

Across the county, residents in Florida Senate District 19 will similarly see a special GOP primary on April 1. Four Republican candidates, Marcie Adkins, Mark Lightner III, Tim Thomas, and Debbie Mayfield, are vying to fill the seat vacated by Senator Randy Fine, who is pursuing a Congressional bid.

The fact that Mayfield served in this same Senate seat from 2016 to 2024 sparked a term-limit debate, culminating in a Florida Supreme Court ruling. Though Mayfield had reached the Senate’s eight-year limit, the Court determined she was eligible to run again because she had taken a gap in service while representing House District 32.

Dr. Marcie Adkins, who previously worked for the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission and holds a Ph.D. in economics, stresses the importance of clarifying Florida’s term-limit laws to prevent repeated “musical chairs” by seasoned politicians.

“I am running because I believe I am the best possible candidate,” Adkins says. She points to having “lived here the longest,” having “the most relevant education,” and possessing “35 years of experience working with economic issues.” She also notes that she has “not ‘termed’ out as Mayfield has.”

Adkins adds that she is connecting with voters through “email, telephone, my website, and in person,” and expresses concerns about the influence of political action committees. She advocates for clarifying Florida’s constitution to strictly limit state senators to eight years of service.

Mark Lightner III, at 24 years old, represents a younger faction within the GOP and believes it is time to “stop this vicious cycle” of career politicians. “Brevard County has had the same handful of career politicians playing a game of musical chairs,” Lightner stated. “It seems the longer a person is in the world of politics, the more corrupt they become. They begin to choose power over the people who elected them.”

Lightner is focusing on gun rights, advocating for open carry and urging a repeal of the 2018 gun regulations that increased the minimum age for firearm purchases. He also wants to encourage more high school graduates to consider vocational trades.

“My generation needs to step up and participate in the world of politics,” Lightner said. “We must fight for our future and the future of our children. My daughter is 1 and I have a son that is due in July. I want to ensure that their future is as bright and prosperous as possible.”

Lightner’s momentum recently grew when he picked up an endorsement from Bill Mick, host of Bill Mick LIVE, a morning radio staple on the Space Coast since 2004. Mick noted he was initially skeptical, saying he “would expect a 24-year-old to not have the maturity or experience to be effective,” but ended up convinced Lightner is “nothing less than an impressive young man who would serve us well in the Florida Senate.” Mick added that Lightner is “mature, grounded in who he is and his faith,” and “well versed on the issues in play.”

Candidates Tim Thomas and Debbie Mayfield are also in the race. Thomas has underscored illegal immigration, veterans’ resources, and strong term limits, while Mayfield has focused on stabilizing insurance rates, housing affordability, and infrastructure improvements. The winner of the April 1 Republican primary will face Democrat Vance Ahrens in the June 10 general election.

Voters in District 32 (Florida House) and District 19 (Florida Senate) are encouraged to take advantage of early voting to avoid potential lines on Election Day. According to the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections:

  • Special Primary Election (House & Senate)

    • Early Voting: March 22 – March 29, 2025
      • Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
      • Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    • Primary Election Day: April 1, 2025 (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
  • Special General Election (House & Senate)

    • Early Voting: May 31 – June 7, 2025
      • Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
      • Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    • General Election Day: June 10, 2025 (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

On Election Day, voters must vote in their assigned precinct, but during early voting, they may use any of the designated polling locations in Brevard County. Valid photo identification with a signature, such as a Florida driver’s license or U.S. passport, is required. If voters have no valid photo/signature ID, they can still cast a provisional ballot.

For the most up-to-date information on early voting sites, mail ballot drop-off, and other key deadlines, visit VoteBrevard.gov or call (321) 290-VOTE (8683).

These special elections present opportunities for residents to shape the future of both the Florida Senate and House. Whether your main concerns are property insurance, education, term-limit enforcement, or broader topics like veterans’ services and gun rights, staying informed is crucial. All registered voters residing in Districts 19 or 32 should confirm their registration status, learn about the candidates, and cast a ballot—either during early voting or on Election Day.

Palm Bay Live will continue to offer updates and candidate highlights as we move closer to April 1 and June 10. 

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Palm Bay Narrows Down City Manager Search to Eight Finalists After Heated Council Debate

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Palm Bay, FL – After a lengthy and occasionally tense meeting on March 20, the Palm Bay City Council voted unanimously to invite eight finalists to participate in public interviews for the city’s next permanent City Manager. The decision followed a spirited debate among council members over how many candidates should advance, with Mayor Rob Medina initially advocating for a much smaller shortlist.

The eight candidates moving forward to the March 29 public interviews are:

  1. Jason Brian Davis
  2. Matthew Thomas Morton
  3. Mark Sohaney
  4. Gregg Lynk
  5. Ricardo J. Mendez
  6. William R. Lawrence
  7. Howard W. Brown
  8. Sonia A. Alves-Viveiros

Mayor Medina initially recommended narrowing the list to just three candidates whom he believed had the broadest support: Davis, Morton, and Sohaney. “I don’t like going backwards,” he said, signaling reluctance to consider former City Manager Greg Lynk, who was fired in 2018.

However, other council members expressed concern with limiting the list prematurely. Councilman Michael Hammer Jr. suggested, “If two council members think somebody is good enough to be on this list, they should be invited.”

Eventually, the council moved to expand the shortlist to eight names, which passed in a 5-0 vote.

One of the most debated additions to the list was Greg Lynk, the city’s former city manager. Councilman Kenny Johnson spoke about his decision to support Lynk’s return to the candidate pool, despite having voted to terminate him in 2018.

“I had a call from former Councilman Brian Anderson… we shared much discussion over 30 minutes where he cleared the air on a lot of accusations made about Mr. Lynk,” Johnson said. “Our God is a God of second chances. I know so much more now than I did six years ago.”

Tensions escalated during the public comment period when one speaker accused Mayor Medina of making unilateral decisions in the selection process.

“We started this process where everybody said their top five—and you, sir, elected three without consulting anyone. How dare you,” he said.

The speaker also criticized past leadership, claiming: “Suzanne Sherman botched a billion dollars in economic development under Greg Lynk. He [Lynk] put that together. He helped put together the entirety of the Heritage Parkway connection as a privatized deal to make it happen.”

Throughout the meeting, each council member shared their top choices:

  • Mayor Medina: Michael Brillhart, Howard Brown, Jason Davis, Matthew Morton, Brian Bulthuis
  • Deputy Mayor Jaffe: Gregg Lynk, Sonia Alves-Viveiros, Brian Davis, Matthew Morton, Ricardo Mendez 
  • Councilman Langevin: Mark Sohaney, Gregg Lynk, Scott Moye, William Lawrence, Howard Brown
  • Councilman Johnson: Mark Sohaney, Gregg Lynk, Ricardo Mendez
  • Councilman  Hammer: Jason Davis, Matthew Morton, Mark Sohaney, Nate Somers, William Lawrence

Interim City Manager Scott Morgan confirmed all eight candidates will be contacted and asked to authorize background checks ahead of interviews.

The public interviews will take place at a special council meeting on March 29, where department heads may also interact with the candidates. Following the interviews, the council hopes to identify a final candidate and make a formal job offer by their April 17 meeting.

Palm Bay Live will be publishing individual candidate profiles on all eight contenders in the coming week to help the public get to know the finalists ahead of the interviews.

Watch the recorded council meeting here:

https://youtube.com/live/EPuQrI7ieoo

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Palm Bay Officials Face Pushback Over School Zone Speed Cameras, Financial Incentives, and Public Comment Limits

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Palm Bay, FL – Palm Bay’s controversial school zone speed camera enforcement program is under fire again, following heated discussions at the latest City Council meeting where council members and residents questioned its accuracy, financial motivations, and the city’s handling of public concerns.

The debate came a week after the program was temporarily halted due to reports of incorrect citations being issued. The Palm Bay Police Department assured the public it was working to resolve the glitches before reinstating the system. However, the latest council discussion raised deeper concerns about whether the cameras are truly about safety or revenue generation—and whether officials are doing enough to ensure transparency.

Before discussions on speed cameras began, Mayor Rob Medina made remarks emphasizing that public comments should be handled administratively when possible. “To keep our meeting efficiently focused on City business, I respectfully ask that my fellow council members refrain from dialogue on matters which are best handled administratively,” Medina stated. He added that city staff members were available to step outside with members of the public to discuss administrative matters. “If an issue can’t be addressed immediately, the city manager’s office will contact the speaker within three business days,” he assured. 

During the meeting, Councilman Chandler Langevin raised concerns about the financial burden on residents, emphasizing that a $100 ticket could significantly impact working-class families. “If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and get hit with a $100 ticket, that means you might have to skip a dinner out or other local spending. That affects our local economy,” he said. The financial breakdown of the fines was also discussed, revealing that of the $100 citation, $60 goes to the municipality, with $39 going to the City of Palm Bay and $21 going to RedSpeed. 

Langevin also questioned the program’s effectiveness, arguing that the cameras were intended to slow drivers down—not serve as a money grab. “The whole point of these cameras is to slow people down. It’s not supposed to be a way to be a money grab,” he stated. He further pointed to RedSpeed’s track record, the company operating the cameras, referencing problems in Jonesboro, Georgia, where over 1,200 incorrect citations led to nearly $80,000 in refunds. “This isn’t a new system. This company has had problems elsewhere, and we should have known that before we brought them in,” he warned.

Greg Parks, Senior Vice President of RedSpeed, pushed back against criticism, arguing that the company does not issue tickets automatically and that Palm Bay Police officers review all citations. “We’re simply gathering evidence and presenting it to Palm Bay Police,” he said. He also disputed claims that Jonesboro, Georgia, had abandoned its RedSpeed program. “The Jonesboro program that was referenced is still operating with great effect,” he stated. “They reduced speeding by 90%, and it’s still in operation.”

Deputy Chief Jeff Spears acknowledged that there had been a glitch in the system that resulted in incorrect violations, but assured council members that the issue had been resolved and that refunds were issued where necessary. He also noted that 3,970 warning citations had been issued since the program launched, and that nearly 900 drivers had already paid their citations. Spears reiterated that Palm Bay Police officers review all violations before tickets are issued.

Additionally, broader concerns about surveillance technology in Palm Bay surfaced during the meeting, particularly regarding Flock Safety’s automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras. Some residents questioned the necessity of these cameras and their potential implications for privacy and over-policing. 

Despite reassurances from officials, the debate underscores ongoing skepticism from residents and local leaders alike. As discussions continue, the council appears divided on whether the cameras should remain in place or if further adjustments are needed to restore public trust in the system.

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Did Palm Bay Hire an Outside Law Firm to Investigate Its Police Chief—Then Shut It Down?

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Editor’s Note (03/04/2025): Palm Bay Live has received new information related to this story. For additional context, including email correspondence between Fisher and city officials, please see the addendum at the bottom of this article.

PALM BAY, Fla. — A public records request by Palm Bay Live has revealed that the city retained RumbergerKirk, a well-known law firm, to investigate allegations of police misconduct, abuse of power, and a toxic work culture within the Palm Bay Police Department (PBPD). These allegations, brought forth by former Deputy Chief Lance Fisher, included claims against Chief Mariano Augello regarding the misuse of police resources and a culture of favoritism and retaliation within the department.

However, before the investigation could be completed, Palm Bay’s interim city manager abruptly ordered it to be shut down.

A February 20, 2025, document obtained through public records confirms that Palm Bay’s City Attorney Patricia Smith received a report from RumbergerKirk, detailing their review of allegations brought forward by former Deputy Chief Lance Fisher.

The firm was assigned to evaluate claims that Chief Augello misused police resources to target an Oxford House sober living facility near his home, directed officers to harass residents of the facility to push them out, and fostered a culture of favoritism and retaliation within the department.

RumbergerKirk requested interviews with both Fisher and Augello. Fisher’s attorney, Sawyer Frescoln, declined the request on Fisher’s behalf, citing ongoing litigation. Augello agreed to be interviewed, but the investigation was terminated before his interview took place.

Palm Bay’s Interim City Manager Scott Morgan ordered that the inquiry be terminated on February 6, 2025.

In a written statement included in the firm’s report, RumbergerKirk confirmed:

“On February 6, 2025, we were informed by Ms. Patricia Smith that Interim City Manager, Scott Morgan, directed her to end the investigation.”

“Due to the complaining witness’ unwillingness to provide a statement and the decision to terminate this investigation, no findings have been made. RumbergerKirk has ended its investigation and is providing this report to Ms. Patricia Smith.”

While there is no current investigation, public records show that an external inquiry was authorized, initiated, and then shut down before reaching any conclusions.

At a recent Palm Bay City Council meeting, Mayor Rob Medina asked Interim City Manager Scott Morgan whether there had been any investigative action related to allegations against the police chief.

“Are you able to clarify the investigative portion of that?” Medina asked.

“To my knowledge, there is no active investigation,” Morgan responded.

City Attorney Patricia Smith also reinforced this stance, stating:
“There is no active investigation.”

While these statements are accurate, they do not acknowledge that an investigation was in fact initiated—only to be discontinued.

Fisher, who has been speaking out for nearly a year, has repeatedly claimed that Palm Bay’s police leadership prioritizes loyalty over accountability. He has alleged that PBPD leadership filed false police reports, misled the media, promoted officers based on favoritism rather than merit, and failed to address excessive use-of-force incidents.

At the latest City Council meeting, Fisher reiterated his concerns. He has referenced multiple cases where officers involved in violent arrests—some resulting in serious injuries or paralysis—were not held accountable.

While city officials deny any active investigation, PBPD has also responded to allegations of misconduct.

In a prior statement, the department said:

“The Palm Bay Police Department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in serving our community. Recent allegations made by a disgruntled former employee regarding our department’s use-of-force policies and promotional practices are entirely false and without merit.”

“The Palm Bay Police Department has been a fully accredited agency for the past 15 years, most recently achieving Excelsior Status through the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), a distinction that represents the highest level of excellence in law enforcement accreditation. Our most recent accreditation review found no violations of policies or procedures, reaffirming our firm commitment to transparency, ethical policing, and best practices.”

With the investigation shut down before any determinations were made, the question remains—why did Palm Bay authorize an external review, only to cancel it before reaching any conclusions?

For now, Palm Bay Live will continue following this story and providing updates.

For transparency, Palm Bay Live is making the full RumbergerKirk investigative report available to the public. Below is the official document sent to the City of Palm Bay regarding the now-terminated investigation: 

Police Department Investigation

Addendum: Email Correspondence Between Fisher and City Officials

Since the publication of this article, Palm Bay Live has obtained email correspondence related to Fisher’s claim that he attempted to raise concerns with city officials.

On September 6, 2024, Fisher requested a meeting with city officials, including Mayor Rob Medina, to discuss his concerns about the Palm Bay Police Department’s leadership and culture. In response, Medina advised Fisher to continue discussions with his attorney and city staff.

Separately, on September 10, 2024, City Attorney Patricia Smith sent an email stating that the city had not taken retaliatory action against Fisher and that whistleblower complaints must be submitted in writing to be considered under city policy.

Palm Bay Live will continue following this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Florida Supreme Court Reverses Decision, Allows Mayfield to Run for Senate District 19

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Palm Bay, Fla. – In a unanimous ruling, the Florida Supreme Court has overturned the state’s decision to disqualify former state Sen. Debbie Mayfield, allowing her to run in the special election for Senate District 19. The court’s decision, issued late Thursday, reverses the Florida Department of State’s initial ruling that Mayfield was ineligible due to term limits.

Mayfield, a longtime Republican legislator, served eight years in the Senate from 2016 to 2024 before being term-limited out. She then won a seat in the Florida House of Representatives for District 32 but resigned in an attempt to reclaim her former Senate position following the resignation of Sen. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach. Fine, who was elected to Mayfield’s former Senate seat in 2024, stepped down to run for Congress in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Daytona Beach and five other counties. Fine won the Republican nomination for the congressional seat and will compete in the April 1 special election for that position.

The Florida Division of Elections initially barred Mayfield from the Senate District 19 race, citing Florida’s constitutional term limit rules. However, the Supreme Court found that because Mayfield had a break in service after leaving the Senate, she did not violate the consecutive eight-year service limit. Justice Jamie Grosshans, writing for the court, stated that “Mayfield experienced a break in service when her Senate term ended in November 2024,” which resets the clock on her consecutive years of service.

“If the people of Florida want other limitations on the time their elected officials may serve, they can incorporate such language explicitly through the constitutional amendment process,” Grosshans wrote. “Until they choose to do so, we cannot read a prohibition into the Constitution that does not exist.”

The ruling means Mayfield will now officially appear on the ballot for the April 1 Republican primary, where she will face Marcie Adkins of Grant-Valkaria, Mark Lightner III of Suntree, and Tim Thomas of Melbourne. The winner of that contest will then compete against Democrat Vance Ahrens of West Melbourne in the June 10 special general election.

In the lead-up to the Supreme Court’s decision, state officials argued that there was insufficient time to add Mayfield to the ballot before the Feb. 14 deadline for sending vote-by-mail ballots to military and overseas voters. Attorneys for Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd contended that Mayfield should have challenged her disqualification sooner, stating in a legal brief that she “had Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s to think about her candidacy” but did not take legal action until after the state had already acted.

The state’s argument also emphasized that the Secretary of State had a duty to uphold election laws, comparing Mayfield’s situation to an ineligible non-U.S. citizen or a convicted felon attempting to qualify for the ballot. The attorneys argued that term limits should apply regardless of an individual’s break in service, contending that Mayfield had waited too long to mount her challenge.

Mayfield, however, maintained that her disqualification was an overreach, arguing that the Department of State has a purely ministerial role in processing election paperwork and does not have the authority to remove candidates. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in her favor, allowing her to remain in the race.

Mayfield’s return to the race reshapes the Republican primary, which had previously been set without her on the ballot. Following the court’s ruling, Fine expressed his support for Mayfield, stating on X, “I am thrilled the Supreme Court repudiated the ‘lawfare’ against her unanimously. Debbie stood with President Trump last year, and I know she will be a tireless fighter for his agenda in Florida.”

Election officials have confirmed that the ruling allows them to proceed as scheduled with mailing vote-by-mail ballots to overseas and military voters, followed by a mass mailing to other Republican voters on February 27.

With the Supreme Court’s ruling now final, all four Republican candidates, including Mayfield, remain in contention for the GOP nomination in what is expected to be a closely watched race. The ruling also sets a precedent for how Florida’s term limits law may be interpreted in future election cycles, particularly regarding breaks in service between terms.

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 Palm Bay Councilman REFUSES to Apologize for Shocking Anti-Muslim Remarks

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Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin is once again at the center of controversy after making inflammatory comments about Muslims. Langevin, known for past remarks praising the Confederacy and aligning with Christian nationalist views, recently declared that Muslims “do not belong in this great nation.” His comments have ignited widespread condemnation, especially in Brevard County, where a large Muslim community plays an integral role in the local economy and culture.

https://youtu.be/RTk3WQq6ygY

Instead of retracting his statement, Langevin doubled down, defiantly declaring, “I said what I said.” He further escalated the situation by endorsing violent rhetoric, including advocating for bombing Lebanon to restore a Christian majority. At last night’s Palm Bay City Council meeting, residents expressed frustration and concern, demanding action from local leadership.

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Debbie Mayfield Disqualified from Florida Senate Special Election Amid Term Limits Controversy

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Palm Bay, Fla. – Former Florida Sen. Debbie Mayfield has been disqualified from running in the special election for Senate District 19 after the Florida Department of State ruled that her candidacy violated the state’s term limits law.

Mayfield, a longtime Republican legislator, previously held the Senate seat until November 2024, when she was forced out due to term limits. She subsequently won election to the Florida House of Representatives in District 32 but resigned to pursue her former Senate seat following Sen. Randy Fine’s departure to run for Congress. However, state officials determined that her bid to return to the Senate violated constitutional restrictions on consecutive service.

The ruling has sparked political tension, with Mayfield claiming the decision was politically motivated. In a statement, she accused Gov. Ron DeSantis of “weaponizing” the Department of State in retaliation for her endorsement of former President Donald Trump over DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary.

https://x.com/debbie_mayfield/status/1887142453758586957 

The Florida Division of Elections has cited the state’s constitutional term limits as the reason for Mayfield’s removal from the ballot. According to the Florida Constitution, a candidate cannot run for the same office if they have already served (or would have served, barring resignation) for eight consecutive years. While some Republican strategists argue that a break in service should reset the term limit clock, the state has taken a stricter interpretation of the rule.

Mayfield has indicated that she may challenge the ruling in court, though as of now, no official lawsuit has been filed.

Republican Candidates Battle for Senate District 19

With Mayfield out of the race, the Republican primary for Senate District 19 features three candidates:

  • Dr. Marcie Adkins of Grant-Valkaria, a retired economist who previously ran against Fine in a 2020 Republican primary for the Florida House.
  • Mark Lightner III of Suntree, a business graduate and sales representative making his first run for office.
  • Tim Thomas of Melbourne, a former city councilman with eight years of experience in local government.

Palm Bay Live has reached out to all candidates in both the Senate District 19 and House District 32 races for comment. While some have responded, not all candidates have provided statements at this time. This article will be updated as more responses are received.

Dr. Marcie Adkins, a retired economist from Grant-Valkaria, filed to replace Mayfield in the Senate race, citing term limits as a core reason for her candidacy. Adkins, who has lived in Brevard County since 1967, told Palm Bay Live that she firmly believes in the importance of upholding term limits as voters intended.

“The voters in 1992 overwhelmingly supported term limits, and the law should reflect that,” Adkins told Palm Bay Live. “When they passed that constitutional amendment, it was crystal clear—eight years, and you’re out, just like the President and Governor.”

Beyond her focus on term limits, Adkins has built her campaign on a platform of economic policy, environmental protections, higher education, and mental health advocacy. She has stated that addressing the challenges facing small businesses and homeowners, including skyrocketing insurance rates, is one of her top priorities.

“I am sensitive to the concerns of all small business owners and Florida homeowners,” Adkins said. “We need to take real steps to address rising insurance rates and make homeownership more affordable.”

She also emphasized the need for increased mental health support in Florida, highlighting the personal impact the issue has had on her life.

“I’ve had close people in my life struggle with mental health, and it’s an issue that affects every community,” Adkins said. “We need more resources, better access to care, and a shift in how we talk about mental health in our state.”

Despite her strong conservative credentials, Adkins has also emphasized the importance of bipartisanship. She told Palm Bay Live that she admires past Florida legislators who maintained open-door policies regardless of political affiliation and that she aims to bring a similar approach to the Senate.

“I don’t like this mentality of ‘our side versus their side.’ It’s not productive,” Adkins said. “I believe in being gracious and working with people—even those I don’t always agree with. That’s what leadership should be about.”

She recalled her admiration for former Florida Sen. Patsy Kurth, who served Brevard in the 1990s. “Patsy was someone who always had time for people, no matter their political views. That’s how I want to be—I want to sit down, have conversations, and find solutions that actually help Floridians.”

Vance Ahrens: A Progressive Alternative

Democratic candidate Vance Ahrens, who secured his party’s nomination unopposed, also spoke with Palm Bay Live, positioning himself as a strong alternative to the Republican candidates in the race.

“I initially decided to run for the 2024 race because people deserve representation, and I was appalled by the lack of a Democrat to challenge Debbie Mayfield in her last term,” Ahrens said. “After running against Randy Fine only to see him abandon his promise of ‘fighting for Brevard’ in a move for more power, my focus continues to be on representing my neighbors, friends, and fellow Space Coast residents.”

Ahrens outlined his key priorities, which include improving the local economy, addressing storm damage to lower insurance rates, continuing cleanup efforts for the Indian River Lagoon, and advocating for reproductive rights.

“Like most Floridians, I believe that everyone should be able to make their own medical decisions with their doctors, not politicians,” Ahrens said.

House District 32 Special Election

The vacancy left by Mayfield’s resignation has also triggered a special election for House District 32, which covers Central and South Brevard. Several candidates have entered the race, including:

  • Dr. Terry Cronin (R) – A physician and business owner with strong financial backing, having raised over $274,000. Cronin has positioned himself as a pro-Trump conservative with a focus on healthcare reform, property insurance, and economic growth.
  • Brian Hodgers (R) – Businessman and former candidate with deep connections in the Republican Party.
  • Bob White (R) – Conservative activist and chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida.
  • Juan Hinojosa (D) – The sole Democrat in the race, focused on expanding healthcare access and environmental protections.

A special primary election for House District 32 is set for April 1, with the general election on June 10.

Uncertainty Lingers

The controversy surrounding Mayfield’s disqualification adds further unpredictability to an already complex special election process. Randy Fine’s resignation triggered the need for both the Senate District 19 and House District 32 special elections, which will now take place concurrently. It remains to be seen whether Mayfield will move forward with a legal challenge to the state’s decision, which could further complicate the race.

For now, the Republican primary race for Senate District 19 is set, and voters will decide on April 1 who will advance to the June general election. Mayfield, meanwhile, faces a decision on whether to continue fighting her disqualification or pivot to a different political opportunity.

marcie

Dr. Marcie Adkins of Grant-Valkaria has filed to replace Debbie Mayfield as State Senator, District 19

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Retired economic consulting firm owner, Dr. Marcie Adkins of Grant-Valkaria has filed to replace Debbie Mayfield as State Senator, District 19 early Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
 
The seat was vacated by Randy Fine who resigned to pursue candidacy for Congressional District 6. Qualifying for this seat began yesterday, February 3, 2025 and ended today, Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at noon.
Dr. Adkins says, “I am excited and hopeful I will earn the right to serve Brevard County in this capacity.”
“In fact, serving Brevard in the Senate is a dream I remember conceiving approximately 35 years ago. In 1990, I worked as the Economist for Florida’s 1990 Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. This was my first professional job after completing the PhD program. My office was in the Holland Building, directly across the street from the Capitol. I remember sitting in the Senate Gallery thinking, “Wouldn’t that be awesome serving Brevard as its Senator one day.”
Patsy Kurth was Brevard’s Senator in 1990. She was a gracious, welcoming Senator, one I intend to emulate. As was Patsy’s policy, my office will always be open for all Brevard residents’ concerns and problems.
 
I am uniquely qualified to serve in this role. I have lived in Brevard longer than any other candidate, having moved to Brevard in 1967. I worked in Tallahassee for 2 years as a professional economist then started my own consulting firm which I ran for 30 years.
 
I am sensitive to the concerns of all small business owners and
Florida homeowners. My husband and I have owned a home in Grant-Valkaria since 1993 and I owned my own economic consulting firm for 30 years.
I will focus on insurance, the Indian River and higher education. I see the University of Central Florida as “Brevard’s University” and pledge to make their priorities, my priorities.”

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