Judge Rules Against Palm Coast Mayor’s Lawsuit to City

Circuit Judge Chris France on Thursday ruled against Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris in his lawsuit against the city. Norris had alleged that the appointment of Councilman Charles Gambaro last year was illegal, and was seeking to have the seat vacated. Norris was represented by Anthony Sabatini, an attorney from Lake County known for his tenure as a state legislator. Palm Coast was represented by Rachel Crews of the law firm GrayRobinson. Norris attended the hearing in person, while Gambaro did not. While a definitive course of action has not been confirmed, Norris has previously indicated he’d be willing to appeal if the ruling did not go his way. If he intends to appeal indefinitely, Norris may possibly see Gambaro’s term in office end organically before the matter is resolved. The lawsuit from Norris came on the heels of a deep rift between the two on the City Council dais, with Gambaro going so far as to advocate for Norris’ removal by Gov. Ron DeSantis. His gripes were in alleged malfeasance, substantiated by an independent investigation, which he believed warranted Norris being ousted from office. Gambaro was appointed by the previous City Council following the abrupt resignation of Cathy Heighter in 2024. Heighter’s resignation placed the Council in a precarious position: bound by the city charter to hold a special election given she had completed half of her term, but in a position of virtually no time to get such an election on the ballot by November. They opted instead to appoint Gambaro until the term expires in 2026. Norris was elected in November, part of a three-seat ouster of the previous Council members from public service. His first year in office has been rocky, with allegations made by several city employees that he’d acted inappropriately or even exceeded his designated authority. Norris has apologized for his personal conduct, but has consistently denied malfeasance. Mike Norris’ Reaction Mike Norris posted a reaction to the outcome to his Facebook account. “Today’s court decision did not go the way we had hoped, and I know that many of you, like me, are feeling disappointed. But let me be clear: this moment does not shake my resolve or my commitment to you. I stand with you, firmly and without hesitation because I believe in the right of the people to choose who represents them. “This outcome has highlighted a deeper issue that needs resolved. Our city charter must be revised. The events of these past months have made it clear that the current language does not fully serve the interests or the voice of the people. We must work together to ensure that the will of Palm Coast’s residents is always heard and protected. “To everyone who has stood by me throughout this process, thank you. Your support, your words of encouragement, and your unwavering commitment to a better city have meant more to me than I can express. You reminded me of why I chose to serve in the first place: to fight against special interests, to take a stand for transparency, and the people of this city. “I want you to know that I have always worked and will continue to work for the best interests of Palm Coast. Whether in the mayor’s seat or out in the community, my dedication to you as taxpayers and as residents will continue. I will keep pushing for what’s right, for what’s just, and for what moves Palm Coast forward. “This is not the end. This is a call to action. Let’s make our voices even stronger. Let’s make our charter better, and let’s continue to build a Palm Coast that truly reflects the people who call it home by using our vote! “With gratitude and determination, Mayor Mike” Charles Gambaro’s Reaction Councilman Charles Gambaro sent a statement to local media after the ruling was made. “As I have stated before, I joined the Palm Coast City Council in full accordance with all established city and state procedures through a process that was carefully designed and unanimously approved by the previous Council. My appointment followed all legal requirements and proper protocols as outlined in our City Charter and Florida state law. The above facts were reaffirmed today. “Despite this lawful and transparent appointment, Mayor Norris chose to file a frivolous lawsuit against the city he was elected to serve. This is without question the action of a toxic and isolated leader. This unprecedented legal action is clearly a calculated attempt to intimidate and deflect attention from the serious and well-documented concerns about his own derelict conduct in office since taking the oath in November of 2024. Mayor Norris’s malicious actions have caused unnecessary stress to our city council, our city staff, and our residents. Mayor Norris’s attacks against me personally are a true disappointment given that he is a fellow veteran. In our profession of arms, we are taught to conduct ourselves with dignity and respect. Mike Norris is incapable of either. “Today’s legal defeat is well earned by a terrible leader that has no business serving as our Mayor. “I would like to thank our legal team for professionally and effectively defending our city against Mayor Norris and I would like to thank Judge France for his ruling in support of the citizens of Palm Coast. “It is truly going to be a wonderful 4th of July!! With sincere respect and commitment to our shared future, Charles A. Gambaro, Jr. Palm Coast City Councilman, District 4″