🕵️‍♂️ Edgewater’s Covert Campaign Finance Violations: A Paid Political Smear Network

For months, residents and environmental advocates have been targeted by a barrage of online attacks. The epicenter of this activity is the Facebook page “Watersedge Truth Talk,” which vanished briefly before returning with renewed aggression. The page has published false, defamatory content aimed at discrediting those who speak out against flooding and unchecked development.

The page’s creator, AJ Neill, is also responsible for launching a copycat Facebook group that mimics the original grassroots group “The People of Edgewater and NSB Demand Action Against Flooding.” Neill’s version—“The People of Edgewater Demand Action Against Flooding”—is not a community-driven forum but a platform for developer-aligned messaging. This deliberate naming strategy is designed to confuse residents and redirect attention away from legitimate advocacy.

Working alongside Neill is Wyatt Davis, who has played a central role in amplifying attacks and coordinating messaging. Public records reveal that City Council candidate Chuck Martin paid Davis $1,600 for “Campaign Helper” services. This payment is not incidental—it transforms the operation from a rogue online effort into a paid political enterprise, raising serious questions about legality, transparency, and ethics.

⚖️ Florida Campaign Finance Laws: What’s at Stake

Under Chapter 106 of the Florida Statutes, candidates and their campaigns must adhere to strict rules governing contributions, expenditures, and coordination. The conduct of Chuck Martin, Wyatt Davis, and AJ Neill may violate several key provisions:

📄 Disclosure Requirements (§106.07)

• All campaign expenditures—including payments to individuals—must be reported accurately and timely.

• Misrepresenting the nature of payments or failing to disclose them constitutes a violation.

🔗 Prohibited Coordination (§106.011 & §106.0705)

• If a candidate coordinates with individuals or groups to disseminate campaign messaging, those efforts must be disclosed as in-kind contributions or expenditures.

• Payments from Martin to Davis suggest coordination, which disqualifies the operation from being considered “independent.”

🧾 False Representation (§104.271)

• Knowingly publishing false information about a candidate or issue may violate Florida’s election laws, especially if done in coordination with a campaign.

💸 Independent Expenditures (§106.071)

• Individuals or groups may spend money independently, but must not coordinate with a candidate.

• The documented payment undermines any claim of independence and may trigger enforcement action.

⚠️ Penalties (§106.265)

• Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per infraction, with enhanced penalties for willful misconduct.

• Repeat violations or coordinated disinformation campaigns may warrant further investigation by the Florida Elections Commission.

🚨 Why This Matters for Edgewater

This is not a case of free speech—it’s a paid political smear campaign masquerading as grassroots activism. The deceptive naming of groups, the coordinated attacks, and the financial trail all point to a deliberate attempt to suppress civic advocacy and mislead voters.

Chuck Martin’s payment to Wyatt Davis is not just a campaign expense—it’s a direct link between a candidate and a covert operation designed to discredit residents working to protect Edgewater’s future. The implications are profound: if candidates can pay operatives to attack citizens under the guise of independent forums, the integrity of local democracy is at risk.

📢 What Comes Next

Advocates and watchdogs are mobilizing to demand accountability:

• Filing a formal complaint with the Florida Elections Commission

• Calling on Chuck Martin to publicly disclose all campaign-related payments and coordination

• Hosting a community forum to address misinformation and restore trust

• Investigating developer ties and additional financial transactions linked to the smear network

This is just the beginning. Next week’s report will trace the digital and financial footprints behind the attacks, revealing the broader network of developer interests and political operatives working to reshape Edgewater’s future—without public consent.

Sources for Legal Reference and Action:

• Florida Elections Commission – Violations

• Florida Division of Elections – Campaign Finance

• Chapter 106 – Florida Statutes

• Campaign Finance Regulations – State Regs Today