How to Speak at City Council & Put Comments on the Record
An independent watchdog guide to in-person chamber testimony, submitting official written comments, and closing the City Hall email loophole.
✉️ Submit Public Comment to the Mayor & Council
If you cannot attend in person, choose your email platform below. Both buttons automatically pre-fill citycouncil@palmbayfl.gov, the meeting subject line, and the mandatory Florida Chapter 119 public record statement.
Why You Must Explicitly Demand the Record
Palm Bay City Council receives hundreds of constituent emails each month. However, under municipal procedures, unless an email explicitly demands inclusion in the official meeting record, staff treats it as private constituent correspondence.
When you include the formal inclusion statement and send it to citycouncil@palmbayfl.gov before 3:00 PM on meeting day:
- The City Clerk is required to distribute the comment to all five dais members before the gavel.
- The document is preserved in the official legislative packet under Florida Public Records Law (F.S. Chapter 119).
- Your comments establish official administrative standing if a zoning or procurement decision is appealed.
How to Speak at City Hall in Person
Regular Palm Bay City Council meetings take place on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM inside Council Chambers at City Hall (120 Malabar Road SE).
Arrive Before 6:00 PM & Grab a Public Comment Card
Public comment cards and printed copies of the meeting agenda are located on the table directly inside the chamber entrance doors. Printed agendas list all item numbers so you can easily reference them. You do not need to register in advance.
Specify the Item Number or General Comment
Write your name, address, and the exact Agenda Item Number (e.g. Resolution 2026-14) from the printed agenda. If you want to speak on an unlisted topic, check General Public Comment.
Hand the Card to the City Clerk
Deliver your card to the City Clerk sitting at the left end of the dais before the meeting starts or before the Mayor calls the item.
The 3-Minute Podium Timer
When your name is called, step to the podium. State your name and address for the record. A digital timer on the podium displays a 180-second countdown (Green = 3 mins, Yellow = 30 seconds remaining, Red = time expired).
Your Legal Rights Under Florida Sunshine Law
Under Florida Statute § 286.0114, members of the public have a statutory right to provide input on any proposition before a municipal board takes official action.
- No Content Discrimination: Council cannot silence you simply because they disagree with your political stance or criticism.
- Direct Address: All remarks must be addressed to the Mayor as presiding officer, not individual council members or audience members.
- Decorum Boundaries: Personal profanity, physical disruptions, and direct campaign electioneering at the podium are prohibited.
Official City Council Contact Directory
You can email all five council members simultaneously at citycouncil@palmbayfl.gov, or contact individual offices:
| Official | Role / Seat | Direct Email |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Medina | Mayor | MayorRobMedina@palmbayfl.gov |
| Mike Jaffe | Deputy Mayor (Seat 5) | seat5@palmbayfl.gov |
| Kenny Johnson | Councilmember (Seat 4) | seat4@palmbayfl.gov |
| Chandler Langevin | Councilmember (Seat 2) | seat2@palmbayfl.gov |
| Mike Hammer | Councilmember (Seat 3) | seat3@palmbayfl.gov |
| Terese Jones | City Clerk (Records) | Legislative@palmbayfl.gov |