Cape Canaveral City Manager Todd Morley Fired in Contentious 3-2 City Council Vote on Tuesday
By Space Coast Daily // January 29, 2025
Cape Canaveral City Council votes 3-2 on Tuesday night to fire City Manager Todd Morley with cause
BREVARD COUNTY • CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – In a contentious decision on Tuesday night, the Cape Canaveral City Council voted 3-2 to terminate City Manager Todd Morley “with cause,” effectively ending his 23-year tenure with the city.
This ruling prevents Morley from receiving over $61,000 in severance benefits, a sum he would have been entitled to had he been dismissed “without cause.”
The decision stemmed from multiple concerns raised by Cape Canaveral Mayor Wes Morrison regarding Morley’s performance, particularly in overseeing certain city departments.
Morrison cited issues related to code enforcement, permitting, selective application of city codes, delayed lien filings, and Morley’s handling of problematic employees.
Additionally, Morrison questioned Morley’s approach to public records management, specifically his failure to preserve text messages from his city-issued phone, a matter that has prompted a broader review of the city’s IT policies.
“The decision to terminate the City Manager for cause was not made lightly—it was a necessary step to restore accountability, transparency, and trust in our local government. Systemic failures in permitting, infrastructure, and records management, along with selective enforcement could no longer be ignored,” said said Morrison.
“Unlike past decisions and separations from city managers that kept the citizens in the dark, we followed our charter, code, and contract. The City Council was obligated to act, and I hope that through this transition, we can work together to learn, make improvements, and move forward.”
The council’s vote reflected a split decision. Mayor Pro Tem Mickie Kellum and Council Member Kay Jackson joined Morrison in voting for Morley’s termination, while Council Members Kim Davis and Don Willis opposed the move.
With Morley’s immediate departure, Administrative and Financial Services Director John DeLeo was appointed as temporary city manager until a formal interim replacement is discussed at the council’s February 18 meeting.
Public opinion was equally divided, with over two dozen residents speaking during the meeting. Some citizens supported Morley, describing him as ethical and dedicated, while others echoed the mayor’s concerns about his management style and lack of oversight.
Business owners and former city officials spoke in his favor, while critics accused Morley’s administration of favoritism and inadequate enforcement of city regulations.
During the meeting, Morley defended his record, arguing that he had worked diligently to resolve long-standing city issues. He also contended that his dismissal violated his 14th Amendment right to due process, as he had not received a formal written explanation of the allegations until the meeting.
Cape Canaveral will now seek a new city manager, which will be discussed during next month’s meeting on February 18.
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