Volusia County Council Opts Against Charlie Kirk Road Dedication

The Volusia County Council on Tuesday opted against renaming part of a road to ‘Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway’. The idea was brought forth by Council Chair Jeff Brower to honor the late conservative activist who was assassinated in Utah on September 10th. The Council listened to feedback from residents, many of whom were charged in their opinions both for and against the proposal. Had it gone through, part of Maytown Road in Osteen would’ve been designated as Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway. It wouldn’t have renamed the road officially, but simply attached a memorial nickname to the stretch. Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative political organization which mobilized student political participation. He was known for his support of President Donald Trump, as well as his public debates with students on college campuses. It was during one of these events that Kirk was fatally shot earlier this year. After hearing from residents, the County Council voted unanimously to table the motion. This means it hasn’t yet been either fully passed or rejected, but that the Council is backing down from the idea for now. Matt Reinhart, the County Council Vice Chair, was not present for the meeting. “Naming a public road or any kind of signage is not just a symbolic act,” said Sylvia Strother, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who spoke in public comments. “It is an endorsement of the values and legacy of the individual being honored. Mr. Kirk’s public record, quotes, and rhetoric have been deeply divisive and inconsistent with the values of respect, equality, and community that Volusia County should strive to uphold.” While Kirk was widely celebrated by his many followers and fans, he also created controversy with his comments on social issues. Kirk once said that “If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like ‘boy, I hope he’s qualified'” as a critique of diversity-based hiring practices. He also called for “a Nuremberg-style trial for every gender-affirming clinic doctor,” referencing the prosecution of Nazis after World War II, and called Muslim-dense areas “a threat to America”. For these and other stances, some residents labeled Kirk as a racist and xenophobe among other things. Countering these criticisms were those concerned that Kirk’s assassination was an attack on free speech in America. Kirk famously engaged in conversation with those opposed to him. His death has sparked fears that outspoken conservatism or Christianity is becoming the target of political violence.  “While Charlie may not have lived here, his impact absolutely did,” said one resident who identified herself only as Kayla. “Over the past several years he has influenced an entire generation of young people right here in Volusia County to become more involved in civic life. Disengagement is a growing challenge nationwide, and Charlie has sparked interest where many others have struggled to do so.” Chair Brower ultimately assured residents that he wouldn’t have suggested the renaming had he believed Kirk to be an outward racist. He spoke to his own lack of prejudices, and acknowledged residents’ concerns about the potential political division created by the renaming. As such, he supported the tabling of his own motion.