- May 26, 2026
Dear Editor:
He’s back. Just when we thought former Flagler Commissioner Joe Mullins had faded into the sunset of unwelcome politicos, we learn he is suing FlaglerLive for defamation. These kinds of free speech and First Amendment attacks are unfortunately in vogue, but lawsuits, when they arise, are often quashed by the courts when they relate to critiques of politicians and public figures.
If the lawsuit should manage to actually stay alive after a quickly filed motion to dismiss, and head to a jury, Mullins may have a hard time finding sympathetic local jurors. He is not very popular in Flagler County as evidenced by his past troubling behavior that likely played a large part in his 2022 resounding local election defeat. He garnered less than a third of the vote.
Even if the seemingly unlikely outcome of the lawsuit is that Mullins prevails, if he believes that would regain his stature in Flagler County, he’s wrong. Win or lose, the perception of Joe Mullins is pretty much baked in.
For those that appreciate FlaglerLive and especially those that are freedom-of-the-press supporters and First Amendment advocates, you can contribute to FlaglerLive’s legal defense. Its website has the particulars. Hopefully, the Observer also recognizes the threat level this kind of litigation raises and will editorialize its support for FlaglerLive, as well.
Ed Gardner
Palm Coast
