TITUSVILLE, FL — An incident at a Titusville Board of Adjustments and Appeals meeting is raising serious constitutional concerns after a resident was forcibly removed for peacefully exercising her First Amendment rights.
During the April 23, 2025 meeting, Elizabeth Baker, a local resident, quietly held a small sign reading "We live here, we decide." The sign, which was silent and non-disruptive, appeared to anger Board Chairman Al Taylor, who ordered Baker to put the sign away. When Baker respectfully asserted her constitutional right to engage in peaceful expression, Taylor directed Titusville Police to remove her from the meeting.
Following Baker’s removal, Chairman Taylor called a five-minute recess. While Baker was in the hallway gathering her belongings, numerous concerned residents poured out of the meeting room to check on her. Several began expressing their dissatisfaction directly to board members and to City Assistant Attorney Chelsea Farrell, who was present during the meeting.
Shortly after, Chelsea Farrell approached Baker in the hallway and informed her that there were no policies prohibiting her from holding a sign and that she would be allowed to re-enter the meeting with her sign. Baker returned to the meeting room, where she was met with cheers and applause from the crowd.
After the meeting resumed, Chairman Taylor went on the official record to admit he was wrong and offered a public apology to Baker.
While several citizens stated they appreciated Taylor’s acknowledgment of his mistake and efforts to correct it, many felt it was "too little, too late." Residents expressed frustration that Taylor had allowed his personal feelings to trump the Constitution and failed to uphold Baker's rights in the moment — an action they view as part of a broader, systemic issue with how some Titusville officials exercise their authority.
Legal experts note that the First Amendment violation had already occurred at the moment of Baker’s removal. "The Supreme Court has made it clear that once a violation of constitutional rights occurs, the harm is done," said one analyst, citing Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) and Acosta v. City of Costa Mesa (2013). "Subsequent apologies cannot erase the violation."
The incident was serious enough to draw the attention of Brevard County Commissioner Katie Delaney (District One), who attended the meeting and promptly brought the matter to the attention of the Titusville Police Officers present.
Critics also point to a troubling pattern of disregard for constitutional norms by Titusville officials. Just one day earlier, at the Titusville City Council meeting on April 22, 2025, Councilman Herman Cole — chairing in place of Mayor Connors — instructed a speaker that she must face the north side of the room to address the Council. When another speaker respectfully asked where such a rule existed in city policies, Cole responded, "Well, you are now," insinuating that he had simply made up the rule on the spot.
During the same meeting, citizen Stan Johnston was repeatedly interrupted during his legally allotted three-minute speaking time. When Johnston pointed out that Cole was violating his constitutional right to free speech by cutting him off, Cole simply replied, "I don't care," on the public record.
This exchange, coupled with the dismissive behavior toward public speakers, has fueled a growing concern among citizens about the City of Titusville’s apparent relaxation toward constitutional violations and a troubling culture of indifference to citizens' rights. Many residents are now openly warning that the city is setting itself up for serious legal ramifications, as local advocates and civil rights groups have begun working closely with citizens to educate them about their rights and how to stand up against government overreach.
These incidents have amplified community concerns about systemic abuses of authority at public meetings in Titusville. Residents are increasingly calling for the retraining of law enforcement officers under Chief John Lau to better uphold constitutional protections and for the City to hold Al Taylor and other officials accountable for their actions.
In Florida, under Florida Statutes § 876.05, all public officers, including appointed officials like city board members, must take an oath:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida..."
A recent ruling in Moms for Liberty v. Brevard Public Schools reinforced that citizens have a right to peacefully express themselves at public meetings, including holding silent signs. The court made it clear that removing or silencing someone for non-disruptive speech violates the First Amendment. Many residents see clear similarities between that case and what is happening in Titusville and are warning that the city could face serious legal consequences if it continues.
While it remains unclear whether legal action will be taken, experts note the City of Titusville could face significant liability under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which permits lawsuits against public officials for constitutional violations. Potential damages could include compensatory relief, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees.
At a time when public trust in local government is increasingly fragile, many say Titusville’s leaders must act swiftly — not only to address individual incidents, but to confront and reform a culture that appears too willing to trample the constitutional rights of the very citizens they serve.