Mayor Mike Norris convened a highly anticipated town hall this week, billing it as a chance to “clear the air” and reconnect with constituents. Instead, it became a showcase of contradiction, blame-shifting, and political damage control that failed to stem his downward spiral.
Held at a local VFW with drinks and snacks, the event drew a crowd — but not consensus. Norris took the mic not to offer vision, but to double down on his favorite narrative: that he’s the lone fighter for the people, besieged by a corrupt council, media vendettas, and vague threats from unnamed insiders.
The mayor’s message? He’s the victim. The public’s takeaway? He’s out of touch.
During the town hall, Norris repeated debunked claims, refused to take responsibility for his failed lawsuit against the city, and even seemed to endorse the idea that the city attorney and his fellow council members were part of a coordinated “takedown.”
But the most glaring moment came when Norris lamented that young families can’t afford to live in Palm Coast — right after defending his opposition to new housing developments. Even some supporters appeared confused. “You can’t say housing is too expensive and also oppose building more homes,” one attendee remarked on the way out.
Despite the noise, a new poll from a verifiable local source shows Norris’s grip on public support is slipping fast:
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Just 6.5% of residents view Mayor Norris strongly favorably
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Only 10% have a generally favorable view of him
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12.8% view him unfavorably
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The majority either have no opinion or a negative view of his leadership
These numbers are staggering for a sitting mayor — especially one who touts himself as a grassroots champion. His “support base” appears louder than it is large.
Meanwhile, the Palm Coast City Council has already taken action. In a unanimous 4–1 vote (with Norris himself dissenting), they issued a formal censure and sent a letter to the Governor of Florida requesting his removal. The letter cites misconduct, repeated violations of the city charter, and an ongoing pattern of financial recklessness — including a $30,000 legal bill passed onto taxpayers after Norris filed a meritless lawsuit against the city.
The mayor’s town hall was supposed to reframe his image. Instead, it served as a reminder of why even his closest colleagues are ready to move on.
The question now isn’t whether Mike Norris is losing public confidence — it’s whether there’s any left to lose.
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