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League and member news
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Florida Cities Honor COVID-19 Victims
Several Florida cities joined communities across the nation earlier this year in a 60-second candlelight vigil to honor the lives lost to COVID-19.
The Police Department and Fire Rescue Department of the Village of Key Biscayne turned on vehicle lights as part of the memorial event. The City of Weston and the City of Coral Gables lit their city halls in amber. City of Gainesville commissioners released floating candles onto the pond in front of City Hall as part of their memorial service.
Also, several Florida cities flew flags at half-staff to honor the 500,000 Americans lost to COVID-19. The City of West Palm Beach proclaimed a COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day.
City of Gainesville Commissioner Reina Sacco floats candles.
Photo courtesy of City of Gainesville
Weston City Hall lit in amber.
Photo courtesy of City of Weston
Coral Gables City Hall lit in amber.
Photo courtesy of City of Coral Gables
Cities Awarded for Digital Innovation
The Center for Digital Government announced six Florida cities as winners of the 2020 Digital Cities Survey.
The annual survey, now in its 20th year, recognizes cities that use technology to enhance citizen interactions with the government including tackling social challenges, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening cybersecurity and more. The Cities of North Port, Punta Gorda, Tamarac and Venice placed in the top seven nationwide in the population category of up to 75,000. The City of Cape Coral and the City of Tallahassee placed in the top 10 in the population category of 125,000-249,999.
DID YOU KNOW...Roots of Auto Racing Track Back to Early 1900s?
Hard-packed sands and automobile racers merged in the early 1900s to establish the City of Ormond Beach’s reputation as the “Birthplace of Speed.”
Motorcycle and automobile racers, along with owners and inventors, brought vehicles powered by gasoline, steam and electric engines to Ormond Beach to see how fast they could go. The racers came from throughout the United States as well as France, Germany and England.
American speed records were set in 1903, then a new record of one mile in 43 seconds – equivalent to 80 mph – was set during the 1904 speed tournaments.
In 1906, the Stanley Rocket Racer reached a speed of 127.7 mph – a record that stood for four years in a time when new speed records were often set within an hour. The reputation of the Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach area as the first proving ground for auto racers and manufacturers was firmly established.
Early auto racing at Ormond Beach.
When it was built in 1904, Ormond Garage – the first gasoline alley before Indianapolis Speedway – was called home by drivers and mechanics. Built by Henry Flagler, an American industrialist, the garage served as the hub of activity during speed trials.
Ormond Beach hosted speed trials that set significant records for years until much of the racing moved to Indianapolis in 1911. Soon after, Bill France and friends started racing on the beach in a series that would become NASCAR. Following Major Henry Segrave’s final land speed record of 231.5 mph on the sandy beach in 1929, the Daytona Beach area became synonymous with the sport of racing. Today, Daytona International Speedway hosts several of the nation’s most popular automobile, gokart and motorcycle races.
Ormond Beach continues to celebrate its heritage as the “Birthplace of Speed” with an event that recognizes the 1903 records as well as an antique car show and Gaslight Parade on Thanksgiving Day weekend.
Visitors can get a glimpse of history by visiting Ormond Beach's Birthplace of Speed Park. The park is home to a small replica of the original Ormond Garage.
The garage was funded by the Motor Racing Heritage Association, and the park was dedicated on March 28, 2013. Replicas of the cars that created Ormond Beach’s reputation as the birthplace of speed are housed there.
Meeting Calendar
JUNE 26-30 | Florida Association of City Clerks Summer Conference and Academy | Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers | Contact Rachel Embleton
JULY 8-10 | Florida Municipal Attorneys Association Annual Seminar | Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa | Contact Rebecca O’Hara
JULY 12-15 | Florida Local Government Information Systems Association Annual Conference | Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek | Contact Becky Brennan
JULY 16 | Florida League of Cities Policy Committee Meetings | Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport | Contact Mary Edenfield
AUGUST 11 | Florida Center for Municipal Research Symposium | Orlando World Center Marriott | Contact Wade Burkley
AUGUST 11 | Florida League of Mayors Candid Conversations with Mayors | Orlando World Center Marriott | Contact Rachel Embleton
AUGUST 12-14 | Florida League of Cities Annual Conference | Orlando World Center Marriott | Contact Melanie Howe
OCTOBER 17-21 | Florida Association of City Clerks Fall Academy | The Shores Hotel, Daytona Beach Shores | Contact Rachel Embleton
OCTOBER 17-22 | Florida Government Finance Officers Association School of Governmental Finance | Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort | Contact Karen Pastula
NOVEMBER 3-5 | Florida League of Cities Legislative Conference | Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Kissimmee | Contact Mary Edenfield
NOVEMBER 18-19 | Florida Municipal Communicators Association | Annual Conference Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers | Contact Selina Smith
Go to flcities.com/education-and-events/calendar-of-events or call 850.222.9684 for more information.
Gainesville Social Justice Murals
The City of Gainesville 352walls Community Artist Program has launched the Gainesville Social Justice Mural Project that engaged regional artists to create 12 temporary murals with the theme of social justice.
One of the murals painted by local 200,000 population artist Pam Valcante.
Photo courtesy of City of Gainesville
The project was underwritten by a fund established to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. It aimed to reflect the energy of the social justice movement with a visible public declaration of the city’s commitment toward progress, enlightenment and justice for all neighbors. The murals are in five city parks and recreation centers.
Earlier this year, the Project received a 2021 Cultural Diversity Award from the National League of Cities, placing second in the award’s 50,000 category.
Marianna’s Solar Facility Receives Recognition
The City of Marianna received the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2020 PISCES Recognition for Excellence in Problem Solving for the city’s Solar Array project.
The George F. Ames Performance and Innovation in the State Revolving Fund Creating Environmental Success program recognizes water infrastructure projects across the nation for excellence and innovation within SRF programs. Marianna is the first Florida city to receive this award. The city’s Solar Array project was funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through a Clean Water SRF loan to reduce operational costs for the community’s wastewater system following the devastation of Hurricane Michael.
The City of Marianna's Solar Array project.
Photo courtesy of City of Marianna
Cities Can Contract For Adjudication Services
The Florida Division of Administrative Hearings maintains contracts for administrative adjudication services flowing out of local law and practice with over 100 municipalities, school districts and counties. DOAH was created by the Legislature to adjudicate disputes between the administrative state and persons whose substantial interests are impacted by state agency decisions and to provide a means to challenge agency rules. DOAH has expanded its service to other government entities that need an independent fact-finding, due process element in their decision-making.
Many of DOAH’s 30 administrative law judges, or ALJs, are experts in the law pertinent to local government such as employment law, environmental permitting and land use. These specialized ALJs have expertise in substantive governing law, are comfortable with administrative law and provide independent judgment often essential for public acceptance of governmental action. These services are available via Zoom at a cost less than that of retaining local outside counsel for hearing officer services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ALJs have conducted hundreds of hearings using virtual technology. If a municipality prefers in-person hearings, government travel and hearing rates are budget-friendly and subject to negotiation.
For more information, contact Peter Antonacci at Pantonacci@ doah.state.fl.us or 850.404.5469 or Suzanne Van Wyk at svanwyk@doah.state.fl.us or 850.404.5456. Municipal attorneys can meet ALJs at the summer Florida Municipal Attorneys Association conference.
Doral Park Recognized For Water Efficiency
The City of Doral’s newest park, Doral Glades Park, is the first park in the state to obtain Florida Water Star Certification. The certification is part of a water conservation program aimed at increasing water efficiency. The park also received Two Green Globes from the Green Building Initiative for resource efficiency and reduction of environmental impacts as well as an honorable mention for the 2019 Green Globes Project of the Year.
Three Municipalities Named All-America City Finalists
The City of Fort Lauderdale, Town of Miami Lakes and City of Miramar were announced 2021 All-America City Award finalists by the National Civic League.
The 20 finalists across the nation will compete this June to be recognized as one of 10 All-America Cities for 2021. This year’s theme is “Building Equitable and Resilient Communities.”
Four Cities Make Top 50
The Cities of Coral Gables, Key West, Palm Beach and Weston made a list of 50 best cities in the United States compiled by the news website 24/7 Wall St. The rankings were based on affordability, economy, the standard of living and community.
Four Cities Win Top Workplaces Award
The Cities of Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Largo and Safety Harbor earned a 2021 Top Workplaces USA award. The inaugural award program, sponsored by Energage, celebrates nationally recognized companies that prioritize a people-centered culture and give employees a voice.
City Manager Honored
The Florida Fire Chiefs Association presented Frank A. Babinec, city manager of the City of Coral Springs, the Association’s inaugural lifetime achievement honor and named the award The Frank A. Babinec Lifetime Achievement Award in Firefighter Safety and Health.
As chair of the Association’s Safety and Health Committee, Babinec has dedicated hours to the Clean Cab Concept, cancer prevention and mental and physical wellness of those in the fire service.
Frank A. Babinec
Clermont Youth Council Donates to Homeless
The City of Clermont Youth Council donated more than 250 toiletry-filled care packages to the local homeless population.
The project was funded using the $250 prize money that the youth council won from the Florida League of Cities 2019 Municipal Youth Council Video Competition. After collecting donations for several months, teens on the youth council met to fill drawstring bags with socks, razors, toothbrushes, soaps, shampoo and personal notes. They delivered the care packages to the Clermont Police Department for distribution.
The Clermont Youth Council delivers care packs to the Clermont Police Department for distribution to the homeless.
Photo courtesy of City of Clermont
Obituaries
Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello
Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello died January 13 at age 65. Elected in 2017, Coviello guided the city as it grew significantly in population. He attended virtually all new business openings, ribbon-cuttings and community events. He was instrumental in the dedication of the Merchant Marine Memorial at Veteran’s Memorial Park. He supported local organizations including the PACE Center for Girls in Lee County. He served as the president of The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Florida Parents Association and was academy liaison for many District 19 members of Congress. “Mayor Coviello was passionate, dedicated and committed to serve the citizens of our community,” said newly named Mayor John Gunter. “His leadership will be missed, but his impact to our city will not be forgotten.”
Joe Coviello
Belleair Mayor Gary Katica
Belleair Mayor Gary Katica died March 8 at age 87. He served the Town of Belleair Commission for more than 20 years, which made him the longestserving mayor in the town’s history. He was first appointed to the Town Commission in 2000 and elected mayor in 2007. Katica’s leadership inspired countless others to serve Belleair with diligence and compassion. He was well-known for his daily support of the community through his regular town walks, continual advocacy for infrastructure improvements, efforts to build partnerships and relationships with neighboring cities, support of sports leagues and special events and commitment to supporting town staff. “Mayor Gary Katica was both a leader and dear friend,” said Former Deputy Mayor Karla Rettstatt. “He encouraged me to get involved in our community over 20 years ago and to run for office. He was kind, compassionate and supportive to his commission, staff and residents. He will be missed!”
Gary Katica
Former Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts
Former Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts died January 9 at age 78. Netts was first elected to the City Council in 2001, two years after the city’s incorporation, and served as mayor from 2007 to 2016. As one of the “founding fathers” of the city, Netts was a driving force in its incorporation and development into an environmentally conscious municipality. His commitment to the area included serving on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Northeast Florida Transportation Study Commission, Palm Coast Historical Society and Florida Inland Navigation District. “Mayor Netts has served his community with extreme honor and distinction for 22 years; a gentle, brilliant and skilled man who never shied from serving his constituents with vigor, decency and integrity,” said Mayor Milissa Holland. “His wealth of knowledge about past and present matters in Palm Coast helped to establish substantive policies while bringing out the very best from all other leaders who served alongside him.”
Jon Netts
Former Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett
Former Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett died February 27 at age 52. He was elected mayor in 2010 and served until 2020. Before becoming mayor, he served as chairman of the Downtown Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency. Triplett was a leader in his community and the state. He served in several leadership positions including former chairman and vice chairman of the Seminole County Port Authority and the Sanford Chamber of Commerce. He was also elected by mayors across Florida to serve on the Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors from 2017 to 2019. “Mayor Triplett truly loved the city and its residents,” said Mayor Art Woodruff. “He led the city with compassion through difficult times and will be missed by the city and the many organizations he worked with.”
Jeff Triplett
Welaka Councilman Willie Washington Jr.
Welaka Councilman Willie Washington Jr. died March 3 at age 82. Washington, a longtime Welaka town councilmember, had served non-consecutively since 1968 when he was first elected. He was one of the first Black councilmen elected in a Florida municipality. Washington was Putnam County’s first Black deputy constable and served as the town’s police chief from 1995 to 2000. He returned to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office from 2001 to 2012 to help with civil processing until retiring a second time. “Councilman Washington served our town with honor and distinction for over 52 years,” said Mayor Jamie Watts. “We will be forever grateful for his service to our town and our community. His life and legacy have made a permanent impact on our town, and he will forever live in our hearts.”
Willie Washington Jr.
South Miami Vice Mayor Robert (Bob) Welsh
South Miami Vice Mayor Robert (Bob) Welsh died February 23 at age 67. Elected to the City of South Miami Commission in 2012, Welsh was serving his second term as vice mayor. He was an advocate for the environment and known throughout his community as “Bicycle Bob.” Mayor Sally Philips said, “He rode his bicycle and wove a web in a city he loved. He kept many in the loop who otherwise would not have been aware. He was on a one-man mission to reforest South Dade with slash pine and live oak trees. He wrote lyrics to popular songs so that we all knew his feelings about controversies. He created signs to express his political opinions. He loved animals and birds and the environment. He was honest and generous.”
Bob Welsh
Former Welaka Mayor Gordon Sands
Former Welaka Mayor Gordon Sands died March 21 at age 85. Sands was first elected to the Town Council in 1994 and served as mayor from 1996 to 2007 and 2009 to 2021, when he decided to retire. “Mayor Sands was a faithful servant of the Town of Welaka for 27 years,” said Mayor Jamie Watts. “His longtime work has truly enriched all the lives of Welaka residents, and he will be tremendously missed.” Sands was dedicated to improving the town’s streets and modernizing the water and sewer plant and was instrumental in the creation of the floating dock at Bryant’s Wharf and several town parks.
Gordon Sands
Former Cape Coral Council Member John Carioscia
Former Cape Coral Council Member John Carioscia died March 28 at age 73. Carioscia served two consecutive terms from 2011 until 2020 and represented District 2. “It is with profound sadness we learn of John’s passing,” said Mayor John Gunter. “He cared deeply about our city, and we are grateful for his dedication, leadership and many contributions to our Cape Coral community.”
John Carioscia
