A recent investigation into the actions of Mayor Mike Norris has revealed a pattern of behavior that includes attempts to fire city staff without authority, inappropriate comments, and creating a work environment many city employees describe as hostile.
The report, prepared by attorney Adam Brandon, was delivered to the City Council and outlines multiple violations of the Palm Coast City Charter, as well as unprofessional conduct.
Palm Coast operates under a council–manager form of government, meaning the City Manager—not the Mayor—has the authority to hire and fire staff. But according to the investigation, Mayor Norris didn’t respect that boundary.
In a March 10 meeting with Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston and Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo, Norris asked both for their resignations, citing a loss of confidence. Witnesses—including the City Attorney—confirmed the Mayor read from a prepared script during the meeting and made it clear this wasn’t a conversation, but a demand.
The Charter states that individual council members, including the Mayor, are not permitted to interfere with personnel decisions. The report concludes that even requesting resignations in this way amounts to interference, and could legally be considered malfeasance under Florida law.
The investigation didn’t stop at Charter violations. Staff members across several departments described an environment where Norris routinely used profanity, belittled employees, and made inappropriate comments—particularly toward women.
One example: Communications Director Brittany Kershaw said the Mayor mocked her toenail polish, calling it “trash bag” color. He later told her department their work on the city’s holiday parade livestream was “garbage” and said he didn’t need them because he had his own marketing team. Others described similar experiences, including a comment about a “Hillary Clinton pantsuit” aimed at Acting City Manager Johnston.
The report also documents comments related to age. Human Resources Director Renina Fuller said the Mayor expressed interest in hiring younger employees to save on healthcare costs and later made a public comment about wanting older staff “gone.” While no direct discriminatory action was taken, the city could face legal risk if such language continues.
The report recommends several steps the City Council can take, including:
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Filing a formal complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics
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Censuring the Mayor for his conduct
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Requiring ethics and conduct training for all elected officials
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Strengthening whistleblower protections for staff
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Hiring a permanent City Manager to provide steady leadership
The report also states: “This conduct has undermined the city’s council–manager form of government and has created a hostile work environment that is affecting the city’s ability to function.”
The report can be found here.
