the darkness of the shade, the heat island effect of concrete and asphalt, the County has so
laboriously maintained through the years can finally rise to its full potential temperature;
whereas, the citizens stood together and begged the County not to do it so they could selfishly
protect their aging septic tanks, the County did it anyway, showing strength, honor, and unity in
the faces of the allergy-ridden, confused, Claritin taking residents; whereas, the clearly reckless
citizens whom were barking up the wrong tree did not know what was best for them in the first
place, and desperately needed the wisdom and guidance of the anti-tree experts; and
therefore, let today be known as Brevard County Tree Butcher Day. She stated she would like
to present to the Board today a beautiful trophy that was given to the Board by the citizens of
Rockledge; and she read, “pursuant to the First Amendment to the Constitution in the Florida
Constitution 1838 Article I, Section 5, that every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish
sentiment on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty, and no law ever
passed to curtail a bridge or restrain the liberty of speech or the press. She noted she is
disgusted by the behavior happening in this boardroom; it is appalling; she is watching it on
television; she is watching it as she is sitting in here; she does not know what has been
happening other than the fact . . .
Kirstin Lortie commented she is here to read a resolution to the Brevard County
Commissioners; she is a concerned resident, and she is concerned about the Rockledge trees;
she read, Whereas, the Brevard County Commissioner has engaged in a multi-year dispute
with the residents of Rockledge Drive seeking to protect the legacy canopy trees along this
scenic drive; and whereas, the residents have disputed Brevard County’s authority to destroy
their property and negatively impact their quality of life; and whereas, County Manager Frank
Abbate committed in 2021 to the residents to never cut the trees; and whereas, on March 12,
2024, Brevard County Commissioners took a vote to update the County road maintenance
maps, and where Chairman Steele asked of Public Works Director Marc Bernath just prior to
the vote, we’re not going to go out there and start cutting down trees, and; whereas, less than
one month later on April 9th, the Public Works Department and Commissioner Goodson’s
District 2 initiated an Agenda Item clearing the way for Public Works maintenance that included
severe tree trimming of numerous Canopy Oak trees that are over 100 years old; and whereas,
residents were notified by email only of the tree cutting on April 5th, just two business days
prior to the item being presented, and without adequate notice to prepare for the Agenda Item,
and where no Commission vote was taken following the heavily-orchestrated hearing; and
whereas, starting on May 13th, the County began these severe tree trimming efforts, and which
have mutilated and destroyed numerous canopy trees; and whereas, leading the way on the
current 2024 destructive initiative have been Brevard County Attorney Morris Richardson,
Public Works Director Marc Bernath, and Commissioner Goodson, also owner of Goodson
Paving; and whereas, the County’s actions have negatively impacted our environment, our
community, State, and country’s beautiful scenic America byway, now destroyed with the
support of all five of the Commissioners. Now therefore, be it resolved that numerous residents
of Brevard County, Florida, do hereby proclaim the five Brevard County Commissioners
Goodson, Pritchett, Tobia, Feltner, and Steele, and County staff members Morris Richardson,
and Marc Bernath the 2024 Tree Butchers of Brevard County and we hereby encourage all
citizens to increase their understanding and awareness of the workings of the County
Commission that led to the destructive and unnecessary war against the residents of Brevard
County and deploying numerous methods of weaponization of the public business. It is
requested that this resolution be included in the official records for the May 21, 2024, County
Commission meeting.” She stated she does not have a trophy, but she would like everyone to
appreciate the one that was made, the 2024 Tree Butchers of Brevard County; she asked if the
Board is proud of itself; it probably is proud; and the citizens are ashamed.
Nancy Simon mentioned they live in a County that many felt was paradise, they consider
themselves lucky; there are beautiful parks with special events, Renaissance Fairs, country
music festivals, natural beauty, State and Federal scenic roads, and a responsive and caring