Council agenda update
Palm Bay Council to debate decorum rules and possible suspension request for Councilman Langevin after inflammatory remarks.
Palm Bay, FL – The Palm Bay City Council has added two agenda revisions to the October 2, 2025 meeting: a discussion on council conduct and decorum and a directive to consider requesting the Governor suspend Councilman Chandler Langevin under Florida Statutes §112.51.
Why now
Since July, Councilman Langevin’s public statements have drawn widespread condemnation from residents and faith leaders. In late September he posted that “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States… They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians.” Days earlier he added, “America for Americans. India for Indians… Go be Indian in India.” Earlier this year he wrote that “Islam exists for the sole purpose of conquering Christendom and ending the Jewish people… and they do not belong in this great nation,” then declined to apologize when asked at a council meeting.
What the new items do
Item 3 – Conduct & decorum: Council will discuss standards of conduct, possible rule clarifications, and how to address disruptive or defamatory behavior while respecting protected speech.
Item 4 – Suspension request: Councilman Kenny Johnson proposes directing the City Attorney to draft a letter to the Governor seeking Langevin’s suspension under §112.51 for grounds that statute lists, including misfeasance, malfeasance, neglect of duty, drunkenness, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, or commission of a felony.
The legal path, briefly
The City Council cannot remove a member. It may censure, set decorum rules, or ask the state to step in.
Only the Governor can suspend a municipal officer under §112.51, and the Florida Senate decides whether to remove or reinstate.
Any council action should rely on clear facts and avoid targeting viewpoints, while any rule changes must stay content‑neutral.
Community impact & what to watch
Public trust: The debate tests how Palm Bay balances free speech, accountability, and civic norms.
Scope of decorum rules: Watch whether Council pursues narrow clarifications (e.g., speaking order, time limits, prohibitions on personal attacks) or broader policy overhauls.
State-level action: Even if Council requests suspension, the Governor may decline or request additional documentation. If a suspension is issued, expect a Senate process timetable and possible legal challenges.
Meeting details
Thursday, October 2, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
Palm Bay City Hall, 120 Malabar Road SE
Readers who want full background can start here: https://www.thepalmbayer.com/p/palm-bay-council-decorum-meeting