Public comment was intense, with many residents expressing strong opposition to the agreement. Concerns centered around the potential for racial profiling and the erosion of trust between law enforcement and the community. Residents articulated fears that such collaboration might lead to wrongful detentions and family separations, echoing controversial policing practices from other jurisdictions. One speaker highlighted, “What kind of damage will this have on their future and their education?” in reference to the potential trauma children might face if separated from their families.

The commission heard from individuals who critiqued the agreement as a shift from public safety to enforcing an immigration agenda. Comparisons were drawn to the stop-and-frisk policies of New York City, which were associated with racial profiling and violence. Local educators added that the agreement could instill fear in students, leading to a breakdown in trust with law enforcement.

Speakers like Christy Renardson and Matthew Crowley argued that compliance with the agreement might transform local officers into de facto federal immigration agents, further alienating community members from police services. They stressed the importance of maintaining open communication and trust, so residents feel safe reporting crimes without fear of deportation. The overarching sentiment from the public was a call for the commission to reject the MOA and prioritize local community values over federal enforcement pressures.

In response to these public comments, city officials discussed the legal and operational implications of the MOA. The city manager clarified that while officers would inquire about immigration status during arrests, they would not detain individuals based solely on their status unless directed by a court or ICE. Concerns were also raised about the financial impact of the agreement, questioning whether the federal government would reimburse the city for expenses incurred from assisting with federal immigration enforcement.

The meeting also addressed the broader context of how state laws affect local governance. A commissioner noted the pressure these laws place on municipalities, acknowledging that failure to comply with state mandates could result in loss of funding or legal challenges. Despite the contentious nature of the discussion, the commission did not reach a decision on the MOA during this session.

In other business, the commission addressed several ordinances related to land use and zoning. Ordinance 02515 was approved, amending the comprehensive plan to assign neighborhood suburban future land use to newly annexed parcels for residential development. The commission also adopted companion ordinance 02516, which assigned multifamily residential low-density zoning to the same parcels. Both ordinances were passed with unanimous support following public hearings where no objections were raised.

Another topic was the proposed ordinance 02525, which aimed to revise municipal services impact fees. These revisions, based on a study by Rafelis financial consultants, suggested increases for fire, parks, and recreation impact fees while proposing a decrease for police impact fees. The commission discussed the necessity of aligning fees with the city’s growth and infrastructure demands, intending to ensure new construction contributes appropriately to municipal costs.

The commission’s agenda included approving various resolutions and agreements, including a resolution to amend a public transportation grant with the Florida Department of Transportation and a memorandum concerning compliance with the Florida Senate Bill 2C about immigration enforcement. The latter drew public opposition due to its implications for the local police department’s role in federal immigration enforcement.

Additionally, discussions touched on community events and recognitions. Proclamations honored Mrs. Ernestine Mason Davis and Mr. Thomas Robert Cooney for their contributions to civil rights and local history. The commission also reviewed updates on regional transportation planning and infrastructure projects, including potential improvements to Cypress Gardens Boulevard and a traffic study aimed at enhancing local traffic flow.

The meeting concluded with updates on advanced air mobility initiatives, focusing on the integration of drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into local airspace. The city is considering the need for charging stations at various flying sites to support these technologies.