Centennial Celebration

Florida League of Cities commemorates 100 years

by Sheryl S. Jackson, Florida League of Cities

In late 1921, Florida’s population was less than a million people. The Overseas Highway to Key West had not been built. Amelia Earhart had not yet taken off from Miami on her round-the-world flight. And Florida cities still didn’t have a unified voice before the Legislature.

That same year, a pleasure cruise was held in Tampa Bay. On board were representatives of cities whom Tampa Mayor A.W.D Hall had invited. Hall had an idea: Form an organization of Florida cities that could have a stronger position on issues that impact local governments. He planted a seed and, by the next year, The Florida League of Municipalities was organized. Hall served as the first President of the group, now known as the Florida League of Cities (FLC).

Those organizers couldn’t possibly have known the impact that their decision would have on the cities and the people of Florida. Today, Florida cities enjoy Home Rule, access to insurance and financial trusts and an organized way to tell their story to state legislators.

The FLC celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with eight months of events. These events recognize the vision of our founders, the commitment of its members and the achievements made possible with cities coming together to speak with one voice about issues that affect residents.

As the number of municipalities has grown from 316 in the 1920s to 411 today, the FLC’s membership and services have grown as well. (See more historical highlights, p. 32, and timeline inserted in this issue.)

The celebration of the League’s anniversary began in January and continues until Annual Conference in August. Achievements of the League and its members will be recognized in various ways throughout these months.

This year, the 100-year banner will appear on all League presentations, lapel pins mailed to all members and anniversarythemed giveaways at all events and conferences. The revamped League website debuted in January and includes the commemorative logo. More importantly, it features simplified navigation throughout the site to provide easy access to information about the League as well as activities and resources.

During 2022, members will be recognized in several ways:

▸ Video testimonials collected at events such as Legislative Action Days in February will be used at the 2022 Annual Conference and across social media platforms.

▸ An FLCitiesStrong webinar on April 11 will present the history of Home Rule, preemption and mandates that prove that united voices enhance local government’s ability to provide for communities.

▸ Quality Cities will feature articles that highlight the 100thanniversary events.

Fun is also built into plans for 2022. Members and employees should be ready to take a photo with the 3-foot-tall “100” that will pop up at meetings, events and any place that League members and staff might congregate. Other fun activities will include a virtual League trivia contest and Hometown Health wellness initiatives that feature a “100” theme. Members will receive more information about events as they are rolled out.

League employees will have the opportunity to celebrate at employee-focused events throughout the year to show appreciation for their part in the 100 years of successful service to members. Employee engagement events along with community service will be held between January through August.

The anniversary celebration culminates in August at the Annual Conference. A marquee video during the general session and a formal event with entertainment will round out the year’s anniversary festivities. Also at the Annual Conference, attendees can visit an FLC History Hub booth to reflect on developments from when the League started up to today.

“This is a monumental milestone for our organization, and we wouldn’t be here today without our members and employees,” said Jeannie Garner, FLC Executive Director/CEO. “Through our collective voice, Florida’s cities have made a meaningful impact. Each of us plays a key role in continuing this legacy, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Sheryl S. Jackson is a Writer/Editor with the Florida League of Cities.

FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

▸ The flcities.com website is revamped.

▸ Lapel pins are being mailed to all members.

▸ Anniversary-themed giveaways will be held at all events and conferences. A 3-foot-tall “100” will be available for photos.

▸ An FLCitiesStrong webinar on April 11 will present the history of Home Rule, preemption and mandates.

▸ A virtual League trivia contest and Hometown Health wellness initiatives will feature a “100” theme.

▸ Video testimonials will be collected for the Annual Conference and social media platforms.

▸ The Annual Conference will include an FLC History Hub booth and a formal event.

LEAGUE LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE

The Florida League of Cities is excited to share our newly redesigned website. Launched in January to kick off the League’s 100th anniversary, the new user-friendly layout and simplified navigation make it easier than ever to access the information you rely on. (Watch the quick tutorial video on some of the key changes on the updated site at bit.ly/3fdRw5z.)

While the pages may look slightly different, the same important documents, resources and activities are still available, including the advocacy, events and municipal job pages. In addition, the new FLC University page is a one-stop shop for all your training and education needs.

We encourage you to visit flcities.com to familiarize yourself with these changes.