December 1st Farmton/Deering Park Plat Vote Faces Legal and Ethical Crisis
In a dramatic escalation of civic concern, a sworn ethics complaint has been filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics (FCE) against Edgewater City Council Member Mike Thomas, placing the entire City of Edgewater on formal legal notice. The complaint alleges serious violations of Florida ethics laws that could render the upcoming December 1st vote on the Farmton/Deering Park Plat both tainted and legally invalid.
🛑 Why the Vote Must Be Halted Immediately
⚖️ Financial Conflict of Interest (F.S. §112.3143)
At the heart of the complaint is a charge of illegal “special private gain.” Councilman Thomas’s personal assets—including his residence and recreational boat—were funded by income earned from the Hunt Club, a business operating on the Farmton Tract. The Plat vote directly affects the economic interests of that tract, meaning Thomas stands to benefit from a decision that could increase the value or viability of the enterprise that enriched him. Under Florida law, this constitutes a disqualifying financial conflict.
📑 Procedural Taint (F.S. §286.0115)
The complaint also alleges that Thomas engaged in ex parte communications with the applicant—private discussions outside of the public hearing process. If he fails to publicly disclose these communications before voting, it would create a procedural defect in the record, violating Florida’s Sunshine Law and exposing the City to immediate legal challenge.
⚠️ Edgewater’s Legal Exposure
If Councilman Thomas votes on the Plat at the December 1st City Council meeting (6:00 PM), the approval will be procedurally compromised and subject to litigation. The City would be knowingly proceeding with a vote that could be overturned in court, risking thousands in legal fees, delays in development, and loss of public trust.
This is not a theoretical risk—it is a documented legal threat backed by a sworn complaint and statutory violations.
📢 What Residents Must Do Now
Edgewater residents must act swiftly to protect the integrity of their government and prevent costly legal fallout. The City Attorney and City Manager have the authority to advise Councilman Thomas to recuse himself from the vote. Public pressure is essential.
📧 Sample Email to Send:
To: City Attorney Aaron Wolfe – awolfe@doranlaw.com City Manager Joe Mahoney – jmahoney@cityofedgewater.org
Subject: Demand for Mike Thomas Recusal: FCE Complaint and Procedural Taint on December 1st Vote
"As an Edgewater resident, I demand that you advise Council Member Mike Thomas to immediately recuse himself from the December 1st vote on the Farmton/Deering Park Plat. Your office has received formal notice of a sworn FCE complaint citing a financial conflict and failure to disclose ex parte communications. Allowing his vote to proceed knowingly exposes the City to a costly lawsuit to overturn the decision. Protect the City and direct his recusal now."
🗓️ Attend the Council Meeting and Speak Out
Date: Monday, December 1st Time: 6:00 PM Location: Edgewater City Council Chambers
This is your moment to stand for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Share this story, contact your officials, and show up to speak out. The future of Edgewater’s governance depends on it.
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