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League and member news
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Largo Salutes Residents In Neighborhood Drive-By
The City of Largo engaged residents with a holiday Drive-By Salute through the City’s neighborhoods. The celebration featured a decorated float in patriotic decor followed by city vehicles, including Largo Police motorcycles and a Largo Fire Rescue station truck.
City staff members across several departments participated, including the City Commission; Recreation, Parks and Arts; Police Department; Fire Rescue; Public Works; Largo Public Library and Communications and Engagement.
Largo staff engaged their community with a drive-by neighborhood salute.
Photo Courtesy of City of Largo
Ocala and Port St. Lucie Receive National Award
The City of Ocala and City of Port St. Lucie were recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association with Innovation Awards for their advancements in the field through innovative practices.
Port St. Lucie's Healthy U program promoted at a city park.
Photo Courtesy of City of Port St. Lucie
Ocala’s Water Resources Department received the Innovation in Conservation Award for the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, an environmental landmark that features educational kiosks, two and one half miles of walking trails and scenic boardwalks. Port St. Lucie’s Parks and Recreation Department received the Innovation in Health Award for their Healthy U: A Series of Conversations program that integrated mental health awareness messages into traditional parks and recreation programming.
Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.
Photo Courtesy of City of Ocala
Doral Awarded for Technology
The City of Doral received a 2021 FutureEdge 50 Award for their Real Time Operations Center Innovative Technology that the Doral Police Department recently implemented. The award from CIO digital magazine recognizes organizations that push the edge with new technologies to advance their business for the future. Doral was the only city among the award winners.
In addition, the City was also awarded the International Organization for Standardization 37122 Indicators for Smart Cities Certification from the World Council on City Data. Doral is the first American city to achieve this certification and is among a handful of early adopters worldwide.
Key Biscayne Opens Digital Playground
The Village of Key Biscayne launched Magical Park, the world’s first digital playground.
Key Biscayne is one of the first communities in the country, alongside the City of Coral Gables, partnering with GEO A.R. Games to implement augmented reality games that get children ages 6-11 years old physically active outdoors within safe boundaries.
Magical Park players explore different augmented reality worlds through their devices at the Village's community park.
Photo Courtesy of City of Village of Key Biscayne
Port St. Lucie Communications Wins National Award
The City of Port St. Lucie Communications Department received the Sharman Stein Award for Storytelling Changemakers from Results for America, lead partner of the What Works Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative.
Port St. Lucie is the first city in Florida to receive the award, which recognizes a city official or team that draws on the power of public communication to cultivate trust and collaboration between local government and residents.
The City of Port St. Lucie's Communications Department staff.
Photo Courtesy of City of Port St. Lucie
Meeting Calendar
NOVEMBER 12, 15-19 | National League of Cities City Summit (Virtual) | citysummit.nlc.org | Contact Allison Payne
NOVEMBER 18-19 | Florida Municipal Communicators Association Annual Conference | Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers | Contact Selina Smith
JANUARY 24-27, 2022 | Florida Local Government Information Systems Association Winter Symposium | Embassy Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista South | Contact Becky Brennan
FEBRUARY 2-4, 2022 | Florida City and County Management Association Winter Institute | Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront | Contact Carol Russell
FEBRUARY 8-9, 2022 | Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days | Tallahassee | Contact Mary Edenfield
MARCH 17-18, 2022 | Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Annual Conference | Embassy Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista South | Contact Nykierama Cooper
MAY 30-JUNE 4, 2022 | Florida City and County Management Association Annual Conference | Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld | Contact Carol Russell
JUNE 19-23, 2022 | Florida Association of City Clerks Summer Conference and Academy | Renaissance Vinoy Hotel, St. Petersburg | Contact Rachel Embleton
JUNE 23-29, 2022 | Florida Government Finance Officers Association Annual Conference | Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando | Contact Jill Walker
JULY 24-28, 2022 | Florida Local Government Information Systems Association Annual Conference | Diplomat Beach Resort, Hollywood | Contact Becky Brennan
Go to flcities.com/education-and-events/calendar-of-events or call 850.222.9684 for more information.
Did You Know … Florida is Home to Several ‘Moon Trees’?
When Apollo 14 launched in 1971, astronauts weren’t the only thing sent to the moon. Hundreds of tree seeds packed in small containers were brought on board by astronaut Stuart Roosa, a former U.S. Forest Service (USFS) smokejumper. The seeds orbited the moon with Roosa in his personal kit as part of an informal USFS project to study seed germination and growth.
The seeds were chosen from five types of trees – loblolly pine, sycamore, sweetgum, redwood and Douglas fir – representing each of the country’s regions. Upon their return from space, the seeds were to be germinated by the USFS but exploded from the pressure once opened. While scientists weren’t sure if any tree seeds would still germinate, some proved successful. Most of the viable seedlings were donated in the late 1970s as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration and planted throughout the United States. They are referred to as “Moon Trees.”
Keystone Heights' Moon Tree.
Photo Courtesy of City of Keystone Heights
Few records were kept, since this experiment was not a formal one. However, the NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive has compiled a list of believed Moon Tree locations, including several Florida cities. Those locations and types of trees are:
▸ Brevard County – Kennedy Space Center, sycamore*
▸ Gainesville – University of Florida, sycamore and two loblolly pines*
▸ Keystone Heights – Keystone Heights Public Library, sycamore
▸ Perry – Forest Capital State Park, loblolly pine
▸ Tallahassee – Cascades Park, sycamore, and Doyle Conner Office Complex, loblolly pine.
Brevard County’s Moon Tree was blown over in 2017 by Hurricane Irma. In 2019, it was replaced with a Moon Tree Garden in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center courtyard. In the garden are pieces made from the original tree and 12 of the tree’s descendants, including statues carved from the tree’s wood and paintings made using the tree’s sawdust. The City of Gainesville’s two loblolly pines are no longer alive, but the sycamore tree still exists on campus.
Keystone Heights' Moon Tree located next to City Hall.
Photo Courtesy of City of Keystone Heights
The City of Keystone Heights received its Moon Tree as a donation from the University of Florida. The tree is located prominently next to City Hall and outside the City’s library. The City of Perry’s Moon Tree is located at the Forest Capital Museum State Park in front of the ranger’s homestead. A plaque identifies the City of Tallahassee’s Moon Trees in their locations in the northwest corner of Cascades Park and at the Florida Forest Service, Doyle Conner Office Complex.
The Moon Trees stand today across Florida and the United States as a monument to the nation’s moon expeditions. Florida was and continues to be a home for innovation and ingenuity in the Space Age.
*Trees no longer alive
Reference: nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov
Clermont Ranked Top 15 Among Lake Towns
The City of Clermont was named one of America’s 15 best lake towns by Travel + Leisure magazine.
The City offers fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic areas, a scenic boardwalk, a splash park and a white sand beach along its waterfront. Various events occur near or in the lake, including triathlons, festivals, rowing, canoe and kayak championships, dragon boat races and more.
Clermont's Waterfront Park Beach.
Photo Courtesy of City of Clermont
Tallahassee Named No. 1 Public Utility
The City of Tallahassee received the 2021 E.F. Scattergood System Achievement Award from the American Public Power Association designating the City the top public utility in the country.
The City was recognized for its commitment to clean energy, customer-focused initiatives and mutual aid.
Representatives from City of Tallahassee Utilities were honored in Orlando.
Photo Courtesy of City of Tallahassee
Naples and Sarasota Named Top Places to Live in the U.S.
The Cities of Naples and Sarasota have been named two of the top 10 Best Places to Live in the U.S. News & World Report 2021-2022 rankings.
Naples ranked No. 7 while Sarasota ranked No. 9. The 150 most populous metro areas were ranked based on their value, living desirability, job market and quality of life.
Obituaries
Clearwater City Manager Bill Horne
Clearwater City Manager Bill Horne died August 14 at age 72. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Horne began his career with the City of Clearwater in 1998 as General Support Services Administrator. He became Assistant City Manager the next year and was named Interim City Manager in 2000. The following year, he became City Manager and served in that position for two decades with plans of retiring in September. “We lost a patriot, mentor, leader, public servant, veteran and role model. I lost my friend,” said Mayor Frank Hibbard. “Our community was richer for having Bill Horne, and today we are poorer for having lost him. His impact in Clearwater and beyond will live on tangibly and in our hearts.”
Clearwater City Manager Bill Horne
Former Palm Shores Councilman William (Bill) Carl Blucker
Former Palm Shores Councilman William (Bill) Carl Blucker died August 21 at the age of 88. He served on the Town Council from 1998-2012 and remained active in the Town long after retirement. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Blucker was honored to serve as a volunteer representing the Town as a member of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Melbourne’s Community Policing. He also served as President of the Palm Shores Estate Homeowners Association. “Bill Blucker loved Palm Shores and was always willing to undertake any task,” said Mayor Carol McCormack. “He was known as ‘Mr. Honorable’ long after he retired. He will be missed.”
Former Palm Shores Councilman William (Bill) Carl Blucker
Jacksonville Council Member Tommy Hazouri
Jacksonville Council Member Tommy Hazouri died September 11 at age 76. Hazouri was a second-term At-Large City Council Member, first seated in 2015, and was elected Council President in 2020. He served as the City’s Mayor from 1987-1991, where he led efforts to eliminate the tolls from Jacksonville’s roads and bridges and enact environmental regulations. Hazouri was also a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1974-1986 and a Duval County School Board member from 2004-2012. “Our city mourns the loss of a true Jacksonville champion,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “Tommy, I will always value your friendship, leadership and passion for our community.”
Jacksonville Council Member Tommy Hazouri
Perry Councilman William Michael (Mike) Deming
Perry Councilman William Michael (Mike) Deming died September 21 at age 59. Deming was first elected to the City Council in 2012 and reelected in 2016 and 2020. He also served as Mayor in 2015 and 2016. Deming served in numerous volunteer positions in community and governmental agencies for nearly two decades, including the Florida Workforce Development Association. “Councilman Mike Deming was a true patriot and public servant,” said Mayor Alan Hall. “He has served our community in many other ways, as a volunteer with committees and work groups, always trying to make Perry a better place.”
Perry Councilman William Michael (Mike) Deming
Former Largo City Manager Norton (Mac) Craig II
Former Largo City Manager Norton (Mac) Craig II died August 2 at age 84. Craig began his career with the City as Environmental Services Director in 2000 following his retirement from the U.S. Army. He served as Assistant City Manager for two years and then as City Manager from 2007-2016. During his time as City Manager, several improvements were made to city infrastructure, including the building of the Highland Recreation Complex and the Largo Community Center. “Mac was a calm and compassionate leader,” said Mayor Woody Brown. “His many contributions to our City will be frequent reminders of his generosity and his love for Largo.”
Former Largo City Manager Norton (Mac) Craig II
St. Cloud City Council Member Charles (Chuck) Cooper
St. Cloud City Council Member Charles (Chuck) Cooper died June 11 at age 72. Cooper’s service to the City spanned nearly four decades. He served on the City Council from 1985-1988, 1994-1995 and 2016-2021 and was reelected in November 2020. He also served on the City’s Code Enforcement Board from 2003-2016 and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “Chuck Cooper was passionate about the City of St. Cloud,” said City Manager William Sturgeon. “He didn’t hesitate to let you know when he disagreed with you, and I respected that. He always did what he thought was best for the citizens and the City.”
St. Cloud City Council Member Charles (Chuck) Cooper
Apalachicola Mayor Kevin Begos Jr.
Apalachicola Mayor Kevin Begos Jr. died June 19 at age 63. Prior to being elected Mayor in 2019, Begos was an award-winning journalist whose career began with the Apalachicola Times. His passion for seafood led him to Apalachicola, and he was an active member of the community. He led the City through the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic and helped stabilize the City’s finances. “Mayor Begos’ leadership style may have been unorthodox, but he was passionate and expected the same type of passion from his colleagues and staff,” said Mayor Brenda Ash. “Although he served a short period, the effect he had on the City of Apalachicola and the Franklin County community will never be forgotten.”
Apalachicola Mayor Kevin Begos Jr.
Former Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster
Former Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster died September 6 at age 61. Forster served on the Village Council for five terms from 2008-2020. He was appointed Mayor for two of those terms and Vice Mayor for another two terms. He was currently serving as a Monroe County Commissioner and was a well-known restauranteur in the Florida Keys. In a released statement, the Village said, “Mike’s service as an Islamorada Council Member, Mayor, business owner and all the charitable work he engaged in to support his fellow community members and to sustain our natural environment will long be remembered.”
Former Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster
Former South Pasadena Mayor Lawrence (Larry) Crowley
Former South Pasadena Mayor Lawrence (Larry) Crowley died June 20 at age 58. Crowley served as Commissioner from 2004-2012 and as Mayor from 2012-2013. Dedicated to public service, Crowley was also a board member and President of both the Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast and the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg West and served on the University of Florida Advisory Board of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. “Larry Crowley’s passing is a tremendous loss for our entire community,” said Mayor Arthur Penny. “As a member of the City Commission, he helped carry the City through difficult times while maintaining financial stability. As a friend, he was always there with a kind word and smile on his face.”
Former South Pasadena Mayor Lawrence (Larry) Crowley
Fort Pierce City Commissioner Rufus Alexander III
Fort Pierce City Commissioner Rufus Alexander III died July 28 at age 72. Alexander was first elected to the City Commission in 2001 and served for 20 consecutive years as the District 1 representative. As a third-generation funeral director and General Manager and Vice President of the family-owned business, Alexander was always committed to helping families in need. In a released statement, the City said, “Commissioner Alexander truly embraced the meaning of community – having so much love for the people of Fort Pierce and his hometown. The City of Fort Pierce will be forever grateful and humbled by the legacy that he left.”
Fort Pierce City Commissioner Rufus Alexander III
