St. Johns GOP chair criticized after chaotic meeting leads to 911 call, charges pursued

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. (FLV) – Political leaders and activists criticized St. John’s County GOP Chairman Blake Paterson after a chaotic June 1 meeting included a 911 call and the party’s vice chair later pressing charges. 

Following the meeting, the REC lost its venue at the First Coast Technical College as a “direct result of the events” during the June meeting, according to an email sent from Paterson to members. 

During the June 1 REC meeting, Paterson made a 911 call for an alleged “ruckus,” asking police to remove some people. 

Paterson told the dispatcher there was a verbal and “almost physical” disruption at the meeting with five to six people arguing, according to a 911 call Florida’s Voice obtained. 

“We have members that are not following the rules,” Paterson said in the 911 call. “And there’s a guest that’s very disruptive who doesn’t have any rights to be here.”

Florida’s Voice tried to set up an interview with Paterson on two occasions and he has yet to accept the offer.

St. John’s County GOP Vice Chairman Jaime Parham told Florida’s Voice what took place leading up to Paterson’s 911 call. 

Parham said the 911 call was made because some people were standing in the back of the room during the meeting and Paterson was “insistent on forcing people to sit down.” 

He said Paterson would not begin the meeting until everyone sat down, leading him to call the police in an attempt to have the people standing removed from the meeting.

“First of all, we’re adults. You know, we can determine whether we want to sit or not,” Parham said. “Secondly, the people that have medical conditions, you’re not even allowed to ask why they’re standing because that violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. So it’s really none of your business.”

On the 911 call, Paterson said there was a deputy on scene, and he said “he’s not doing anything” and they “need[ed] more help.”

“Okay, well, he needs to escort them out. He needs to escort them out. He’s afraid to engage. So we need more officers here so that he can do his job,” Paterson said on the 911 call.

Parham said after Paterson asked the deputy to remove people standing, the officer said he would not violate their rights for Paterson.

During the meeting, Parham also told Florida’s Voice Paterson “shoved” him. Parham wants to press charges against Paterson for simple battery.

“Blake walked past James to return to Blake’s seat and while passing James, Blake intentionally placed two hands on James and gave a gentle push,” the June 16 St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office report said Parham claimed.

In the sheriff’s report, Forrest Parham, who is the brother of James Parham, also claimed Charles Williams “snatched” and threw Parham’s phone on the ground. Forrest Parham was filming when Paterson allegedly put his hands on James Parham. 

Florida’s Voice spoke with County Commissioner and former REC Chairman Roy Alaimo who said he is “not surprised that he [Paterson] would do what he did” after previously working with Paterson.

“He seems to really have a very difficult time, you know, with folks that disagree with him,” Alaimo said. “If you have a disagreement with him, you know, he basically just wants you out of there. It’s quite remarkable.”

Alaimo said he was “truly saddened” to see the current state of the local party under Paterson’s leadership. 

“It is disappointing to see members walking out and frustrated with the SJC REC because of his lack of leadership and inexperience,” Alaimo said. “The local party needs to go in a different direction and move on from Blake Paterson.”

Chair of the County Commission and former REC Vice Chairman Christian Whitehurst told Florida’s Voice he was “disappointed” about the situation.

“As the former Vice Chairman of the SJC REC, I was disappointed to hear the tone and language used by the current Chairman,” Whitehurst said. “Republicans believe in supporting the brave men and women in law enforcement, Blake Paterson clearly believes in something else.”

Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, told Florida’s Voice that the St. John’s REC deserves a “better leader.”

“Blake Paterson has proven to be a dishonest and unethical person, putting himself and his political aspirations above all else. The St. John’s REC deserves a better leader,” Hutson said.

St. John’s County Clerk of the Courts Brandon Patty believes “change is needed” to restore the party’s focus back to electing Republicans.

“The St. Johns Republican Party was once vibrant, successful and mission focused. Today it is anything but as the current chair attacks and talks down to fellow members and law enforcement alike while pursuing his own agenda,” Patty said.