WEST PARK, Fla. — Political tensions in West Park escalated Friday as commissioners and the mayor clashed publicly over how city meetings are being run.

Several commissioners held a news conference to accuse Mayor Felicia Brunson of shutting down their attempt to rearrange the agenda at this week’s city commission meeting. But when the mayor tried to speak with reporters in her office, the conflict intensified.

Video shows Commissioner Katrina Touchstone pushing past the mayor, with Commissioner Cristina Evelliard standing behind her. The commissioners say the mayor is not running meetings in accordance with the city charter.

The mayor, however, says the friction comes from commissioners repeatedly disrupting agendas by calling for votes to move up items they have personal connections to.

She argues that the reshuffling has caused important matters to fall through the cracks and claims the city is losing out on potential development as a result.

Both sides acknowledge the dispute has been ongoing for more than a year. Touchstone has already filed a lawsuit against the mayor, the city manager and the city clerk.

It may be some time before the deep divide inside West Park’s government is resolved.

Tensions boil over in West Park as mayor and commissioners clash over meeting agendas

About The Author

Brett Knese