SURFSIDE, FLA. (WSVN) - In a late-night session, Surfside officials deliberated amendments to one of the town’s ordinances. The proposed ordinance, with a 3-2 vote in favor, sparked intense debate among residents and leaders.
The ordinance aims to regulate meeting times by stipulating that any citizen may make one citizen’s presentation per calendar year. For additional presentations by the same individual within the same calendar year, sponsorship and approval by three or more members of the town commission at a regular meeting would be required.
“Every citizen can have one presentation a year,” a commissioner said. “Any presentation after their first presentation will require approval of three members of the commission to move forward.”
Opponents of the ordinance argue that it infringes on constitutional rights, labeling it as a suppression of democracy and residents’ right to speak.
“Democracy cannot suffer,” said a resident. “If you can sit here and sit through a three minute presentation, is that so hard? You know there’s four residents here tonight and three police officers. This is where we’re putting our resources, yet you’re giving me two minutes because our time is so precious. There’s nobody here that even wants to talk, residents don’t even come to the meetings anymore.”
“This isn’t a regulation. This is suppression of democracy and a resident’s right to speak,” one resident passionately stated.
Conversely, supporters contend that it will prevent unnecessary presentations aimed at targeting commissioners and instead encourage the sharing of valuable information to propel the town forward.
“I am concerned that it might be abused during campaign season when someone is going to run, planning to run, committed to run, thinking about running for office in this town, might comment, ‘I want to do a presentation,’ that might be more than three minutes perhaps, and might be an extended campaign effort,” said Commissioner Fred Landsman.
“I am happy you’re putting a limit on this so you guys are not bullied. Let’s get stuff done,” another resident in favor expressed.
In response to concerns, the mayor sought legal guidance on whether the ordinance violates freedom of speech.
“And there is free speech provided here” said Town Attorney Lillian Arrango. “Every item has public discussion, public comment and there’s also the good and welfare section where you can talk about any topic that is not on the agenda. So no, it does not violate first amendment free speech.”
The Mayor also emphasized that the ordinance is a response to a few individuals potentially disrupting proceedings for everyone, and individuals with valid concerns should have no trouble securing three sponsors.
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.