Voters in Florida House District 31 will have the chance to hear directly from candidates during a public forum on Thursday, July 16. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, located at 400 Sykes Creek Parkway in Merritt Island. Five candidates are expected to attend: Democrat Daniel Lewis Cicirelle and Republicans Mindy Gibson, Robyn Hattaway, Marcus Herman, and Matt Woodside. The forum is hosted by Community Advocacy for Merritt Island (CAMI), a nonpartisan nonprofit that focuses on community engagement and education.
The candidates will address their priorities, qualifications, and vision for the district. Topics may include local issues like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The event is open to the public, with no admission fee. CAMI organizers said the forum aims to help voters make informed choices ahead of the November election. The group has held similar events in past election cycles, according to its website.
Residents can ask questions during the forum, though the format will focus on candidate statements. A moderator will facilitate the discussion, but audience participation is not guaranteed. The event will last approximately 90 minutes, with time allocated for each candidate to speak. CAMI emphasized that the forum is nonpartisan and does not endorse any candidate.
The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center is a common venue for local elections and community events. It has a capacity of over 500 people, though attendance may be limited by space. The forum follows a similar event held in 2024 for the same district. No live streaming or virtual access is planned, but attendees can bring guests. The event is part of a broader effort by CAMI to increase voter participation in Brevard County.