The City of Cedar Key Commission met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Commissioners present included: Jim Wortam, Nancy Sera, Jolie Davis, and Dell Weible. Mel Beckham was not in attendance.
STAFF RECOGNIZED
Mayor Wortham, speaking for the full commission, commented on how hard staff works daily and specifically recognized Clerk Heather Lang with a small token of the commissioners’ appreciation and many thanks. Lang was applauded by the nearly fifty-member audience.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Former Mayor Sue Colson registered the concern that at the last meeting, Commissioner Mel Beckham clearly articulated the following:
“I take this seat on the City Commission very seriously and am well aware that as mayor you not only become the face of the commission, but you also become the face of the decisions of the commission. Even if you vote in the minority you must fulfil and follow the commissions; decisions.”
“Let me be clear, there is no way on the planet that I’m going to be the face of the commission and stand up in public as though the decisions that will eventually be made by this commission were of my doing. Some of which will probably be made tonight. I respectfully decline the nomination.”
Shortly after that speech, which was extended with numerous negative allusions toward the new commissioner, the public that voted for him, and the commission as a hole, Beckham, oddly and surprisingly, accepted the role as Vice Mayor.
Colson questioned how it was possible that a person who says, “there is no way on the planet that I’m going to be the face of the commission and stand up in public as though the decisions that will eventually be made by this commission were of my doing.” could possibly represent the citizens of Cedar Key. Such comments are inconsistent and reflect upon the commission poorly, at the very least.
After repeating that she initially supported Bekham in his commissioner role, Colson suggested that he remain a commissioner but that he not be Vice Mayor.
Mayor Wortham thanked Colson for her input.
CEDAR KEY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
NEXTOWER
General Manager John Rittenhouse again raised the Nextower contract discussion, the document that regulates action on the tower located off the island at the County Road 347 and SR 24 intersection. The contract is an agreement among the city, the CKWSD, and NexTower.
Rittenhouse expressed concern that the issue is timely. AT&T equipment is currently not on the tower. With AT&T comes First Net, equipment that assures communication among registered first responders and governmental personnel. With hurricane season upon us, wisdom fixates a finalized contract, Rittenhouse suggested.
The contract remains with the city’s and CKWS’s lawyers Unclear conversation involved the Federal Communications Commission authority in the matter.
CITY WORKSHOP: AUTOMATION
CEDAR KEY ARTS CENTER
A Pelican in severe distress was seen at the Fishing Pier with fishing line wrapped around his body, his wing, his leg! His right foot was being torn up by the line.
LEVY COUNTY ANNOUNCES PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS
CEDAR KEY WOMAN'S CLUB
