July 2, 2025 | Palm Coast, FL

In a striking display of political isolation, Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris has declined to participate in both the Fourth of July parade and the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence, distancing himself yet again from his fellow council members and the broader Flagler County leadership. His absence marks the latest chapter in a months-long public disengagement that has left city officials and residents questioning the mayor's commitment to his role.

Norris, who has publicly clashed with fellow elected officials and is currently suing the city he leads, has reportedly refused to attend nearly all public functions since his fiery State of the City address in April, which many described as confrontational and self-isolating. That pattern continues this week, as Norris will not appear at either the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach’s parade down A1A on Friday morning or the highly anticipated "United Flagler" celebration and Declaration reading at the county airport that evening.

🎤 Vice Mayor Pontieri Steps In Again

Stepping into the void is Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri, who has increasingly taken on the mayor's ceremonial and civic duties. She will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the airport event and lead a group of 15 local officials in a community reading of the Declaration of Independence. The lineup includes:

All four Palm Coast City Council members
Four of five Flagler County Commissioners
Three Flagler Beach City Commissioners
One Bunnell City Commissioner
Sheriff Rick Staly
Judges Melissa Distler and Andrea Totten

“This is supposed to be a day that brings everyone together,” one city staffer said. “It’s disappointing, but we’re moving forward with strong leadership from those who are showing up.”

🏛️ A Mayor Absent by Choice

While city officials had extended an invitation to all local elected leaders for the patriotic ceremonies, Norris declined both publicly and privately. He has also abandoned all but one of his committee assignments, refused to attend town halls, and continues to avoid regular briefings with Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston.

A brief meeting with Johnston earlier this week reportedly did little to mend fences. According to sources, Norris expressed frustration that the media—particularly FlaglerLive—was better informed about city matters than he was. Johnston reminded him that his lack of participation in City Hall operations was to blame.

Norris has also claimed that staffers were spying on him, which has further deepened his absence from City Hall. “He barely shows up,” said one senior official, “and when he does, he accuses everyone of watching him.”

⚖️ Legal Battles Overshadow Leadership

The mayor’s feud with his colleagues isn't confined to City Hall. On Thursday afternoon, Norris is expected to appear in court as part of his legal challenge against fellow Council member Charles Gambaro, whom Norris alleges was “illegitimately seated” on the council. That court hearing, scheduled before Circuit Judge Chris France, is emblematic of the mayor’s increasingly confrontational stance toward his own government.

His lawsuit has drawn criticism from both inside and outside the council, with some residents calling it a waste of public resources and a distraction from pressing city matters.

🎆 Fourth of July Still Marches On

Despite Norris’s absence, the city is forging ahead with its Independence Day festivities, weather permitting. The “United Flagler” celebration is a collaborative effort involving the county and all local municipalities, designed to offer a nonpartisan, patriotic tribute to American independence.

The highlight of the event—the reading of the Declaration of Independence—will take place on an outdoor stage at the county airport prior to the 9 p.m. fireworks show. Organizers are working with Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord to monitor potential thunderstorms. A final weather decision is expected Thursday evening.

“The fireworks will go on rain or shine,” the city spokesperson said. “But for safety, the ceremony may be delayed or canceled if lightning is in the area. We’re not going to risk putting elected officials on a metal stage.”

Meanwhile, the morning parade along scenic A1A, hosted by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, will see three City Council members representing Palm Coast, joining floats, marching bands, and civic groups to kick off the day’s festivities.

🧭 What’s Next?

As Palm Coast heads into a long weekend of celebration, many residents are hoping for a reprieve from political drama—even as questions continue to swirl about Norris’s leadership and future as mayor.

“It’s unfortunate,” one resident said. “But maybe it’s for the best. We don’t need politics on the Fourth of July. We need community.”

Whether Norris intends to resume a more public role—or continue what some have dubbed a “self-imposed exile”—remains to be seen. For now, the show will go on, with or without him.

Mayor Mike Norris Snubs July 4 Parade, Declaration Reading Amid Ongoing Rift with City Colleagues

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