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Quality Cities Magazine Volume 98 | Number 2
PUBLISHER
Jeannie Garner DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
Kelli Gemmer
SENIOR EDITOR
Joy Dickinson EDITOR
Brooke Harrison
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Sydney Fraser
Jena Glantz
Bonnie Hacker CIRCULATION
Eryn Russell
Stay informed: Visit our website at flcities.com.
Quality Cities (formerly Quality Cities ’90) (ISSN 0892-4171) (USPS Number: 201-780) serves as a medium of exchange of ideas and information on municipal affairs for the public officials of Florida. The views expressed and the data presented by contributors and advertisers are not to be construed as having the endorsement of the Florida League of Cities unless so specifically stated. No material from this publication may be reprinted without the express permission of the editor.
The mailing address for the publishers of Quality Cities is P.O. Box 1757, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1757. The telephone number is 850.222.9684, and the email address is jdickinson@ flcities.com. Offices are located at 301 S. Bronough St., Suite 300, Tallahassee, FL 32301-1722. Quality Cities is published twice a year by the Florida League of Cities. Postage Paid at Tallahassee, FL, No. 669.
The yearly MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION rate for members is $10.00, other governmental agencies – $15.00 and nonmembers – $20.00 for two issues.
EDITORIAL STATEMENT:
Stories that spotlight Florida cities, celebrate their impact on our quality of life and inspire city leaders to advocate for local voices making local choices.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Michael C. Blake, Mayor, Cocoa
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Holly D. Smith, Councilwoman, Sanibel
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Mark Franks, Mayor, Shalimar
DISTRICT DIRECTORS
(1) William Schaetzle, Mayor Pro Tem, Niceville
(1) J.B. Whitten, Mayor, Crestview
(2) Thomas DeVille, Council Member, Penney Farms
(2) Vacant
(3) Chris Cloudman, Mayor, DeLand
(3) Nancy Miller, Mayor, Daytona Beach Shores
(4) Diana Adams, Deputy Mayor, West Melbourne
(4) Sarah Stoeckel, Council Member, Titusville
(5) Louie Davis, Mayor, Waldo
(5) Cal Rolfson, Councilmember, Mount Dora
(6) John Dowless, Mayor, Edgewood
(6) Joseph McMullen, Commissioner, Oakland
(6) Rosemary Wilsen, Commissioner, Ocoee
(7) Dorothea Taylor Bogert, Mayor, Auburndale
(7) Morris West, Vice Mayor, Haines City
(8) Thomas Reid, Commissioner, South Pasadena
(8) Trish Springer, Councilor, Seminole
(9) Ed Dodd, Mayor, Sebastian
(10) Brian Williams, Commissioner, Palmetto
(11) Joanne Ribble, Vice Mayor, Estero
(12) Kimberly Glas-Castro, Vice Mayor, Lake Park
(12) J.P. O’Connor, Mayor, Westlake
(12) Chelsea Reed, Mayor, Palm Beach Gardens
(12) Molly Young, Mayor, Tequesta
(13) Felicia Brunson, Mayor, West Park
(13) Traci L. Callari, Commissioner, Hollywood
(13) Joyce Davis, Commissioner, Dania Beach
(13) Todd Drosky, Vice Mayor, Deerfield Beach
(13) Susan Starkey, Vice Mayor, Davie (13) Vacant
(13) Vacant
(14) Joseph Corradino, Mayor, Pinecrest (14) Karyn Cunningham, Mayor, Palmetto Bay
(14) Rodney Harris, Mayor, Miami Gardens (14) Omarr C. Nickerson, Mayor, El Portal
10 MOST POPULOUS CITIES
Rahman Johnson, Council Member, Jacksonville
Damian Pardo, Commissioner, Miami
Luis Viera, Councilman, Tampa
Robert Stuart, Commissioner, Orlando
Copley Gerdes, Vice Chair, St. Petersburg
Esteban Bovo, Mayor, Hialeah
Stephanie Morgan, Councilwoman, Port St. Lucie
Dianne Williams-Cox, Commissioner, Tallahassee
John Gunter, Mayor, Cape Coral
Dean Trantalis, Mayor, Fort Lauderdale
PAST PRESIDENTS
Scott Black, Mayor, Dade City
Joy Cooper, Mayor, Hallandale Beach
Patricia Bates, Mayor, Altamonte Springs
Leo E. Longworth, Commissioner, Bartow
Isaac Salver, Vice Mayor, Bay Harbor Islands
Antonio “Tony” Ortiz, Commissioner, Orlando
Jolien Caraballo, Vice Mayor, Port St. Lucie
FCCMA LIAISON
Michael P. Pleus, City Manager, DeLand
FLC EXECUTIVE STAFF
Jeannie Garner, Executive Director/CEO
Eric Hartwell, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
Maclain Benton, Chief Financial Officer
Casey Cook, Chief of Legislative Affairs
Chris Krepcho, Chief of Insurance and Financial Services
Jenna Tala, Chief of Strategy and External Affairs
Michaela Metcalfe, Board Relations Administrator
ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT LAW ATTORNEYS AT NO COST
The Florida Municipal Insurance Trust’s exclusive Employment Law Advisor program offers access to a Floridabased attorney with significant publicsector employment law experience. And, the best part is there is no cost to members of the FMIT with liability coverage for employment practices.
Help is only a phone call away. FMIT members can speak with an attorney Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, by calling 888.368.FMIT (3648).
We can help with a wide range of employment-related matters, including:
∙ Hiring
∙ Discipline
∙ Promotion/Demotion
∙ Transfer
∙ Reassignment
∙ Layoff
∙ Termination
∙ ADA Compliance
∙ Complaints of Discrimination, Harassment, Unfair Treatment and Retaliation.
Meetings Calendar
JANUARY 8-10, 2025
Florida Association of City Clerks: International Institute of Municipal Clerks Region III Conference
The Florida Hotel & Conference Center – Orlando
Contact Rachel Embleton
JANUARY 30-31, 2025
Florida City and County Management Association
Winter Institute
Sheraton Sand Key – Clearwater Beach
Contact Carol Russell
FEBRUARY 4-5, 2025
Federal Action Strike Team (FAST) Fly-In
Washington, DC
Contact Brenda Jones
FEBRUARY 27-28, 2025
Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Annual Conference
Embassy Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
Contact Caressa Andrews-Moye
MARCH 24-26, 2025
Legislative Action Days
Tallahassee
Contact Mary Edenfield
MAY 28-31, 2025
Florida City and County Management Association
Annual Conference
Rosen Shingle Creek – Orlando
Contact Carol Russell
JUNE 14-18, 2025
Florida Government Finance Officers Association
Annual Conference
Diplomat Beach Resort – Hollywood
Contact Jill Walker
Jeannie Garner Executive Director/CEO
IFLC’s Strength Is its Members
n this issue of Quality Cities, we’re putting a spotlight on our members. Your service to our cities is what makes our organization strong.
We had a successful annual conference in Hollywood, where Michael C. Blake, Mayor of the City of Cocoa, took the helm as President. Blake has announced an exciting initiative, FLCityJobs, that will help you with your recruitment strategies. Read about it on p. 30. We’ve also welcomed a new Board of Directors (p. 42). Other member news in this issue includes the E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award, John Land Years of Service Awards and information about our First and Second Vice Presidents.
This year, FLC University recognized 161 elected city officials who earned gold, silver or bronze status in the Certificate Program for Elected Municipal Officials. (See p. 49.) This year also marked the inaugural class for FLC University’s new leadership program (p. 60).
We have some outstanding winners of this year’s Florida Municipal Achievement Awards. Learn about the exciting initiatives of the City of DeLand, the Town of Oakland, the City of Sarasota and the City of St. Cloud on pages 14-29. And speaking of awards, our “Quality of Life PSA Campaign” has received national recognition. Read about these awards on p. 57.
To assist our members, the League has developed “Best Practices for Natural Disasters: A Guide for Elected Officials.” (See p. 62.) Don’t miss the article on p. 63 about the important disaster work done by the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust. We also give you a roundup of important legal news (p. 54) and a rundown of our successful grants program (p. 46).
As always, local decision-making is at the forefront of all we do. The 2025 Legislative Session begins March 4. We can’t wait to see you at Legislative Action Days March 24-26.
Respectfully,
Jeannie Garner
League Marks 20 Years of Recognizing Years of Service
By Eryn Russell Florida League of Cities
The Florida League of Cities (FLC) is celebrating 20 years of recognizing the dedicated service of Florida’s municipal elected officials through the John Land Years of Service Award. The Award honors elected municipal officials who have reached a milestone number of years of service with their city council or commission. It recognizes those who have reached 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of elected service.
The Award was created in 2004 under then President Dottie Reeder, then Mayor of the City of Seminole. As President, Reeder wanted to prioritize celebrating the quality of life one finds in a city and recognizing the innovative and complex work cities do every day. As part of her initiative, the Years of Service Award program was created to recognize municipal elected officials’ extensive years of service. This annual award has been hosted by the League since 2004 and has recognized over 400 municipal officials across the state, which equals over 10,800 years of service to their communities.
Later, the program was renamed the John Land Years of Service Award to honor Apopka Mayor John Land ,
◂ (From left) Eryn Russell, Member Services Administrator at the Florida League of Cities (FLC), and then Mayor Beatrice Roberts, Town of Bronson (2021).
◂ (From left) Councilman Joe Tolleson, Town of Brooker, and Sharon Berrian, then Director of Membership Relations, FLC (2022).
JOHN LAND YEARS OF SERVICE AWARD HONOREES
The John Land Years of Service Award from the Florida League of Cities honors elected municipal officials who have reached a milestone number of years of service to their city council or commission. This year the League honors the following officials:
40 YEARS
Former Commissioner Jim Catron City of Madison
Mayor Louie Davis City of Waldo
35 YEARS
Commissioner Jimmy Weekley City of Key West
30 YEARS
Commissioner David Durastanti
City of Bowling Green
Mayor Jay G. Foy
Town of Haverhill
Commissioner Charlie Miranda
City of Tampa
Mayor Catherine D. Robinson
City of Bunnell
25 YEARS
Commissioner Esther E. Berry
City of South Bay
Commissioner Mali Gardner
City of Clewiston
Commissioner Sarah Reece
City of Altamonte Springs
Vice Mayor Isaac Salver
Town of Bay Harbor Islands
20 YEARS
Mayor Angelo Castillo City of Pembroke Pines
Mayor Buddy Dyer
City of Orlando
Commissioner Monty Farnsworth City of Newberry
Mayor Ken Larsen
Town of Interlachen
Mayor Bill Partington
City of Ormond Beach
Mayor William M. Queen
Town of North Redington Beach
Commissioner Patty Sheehan
City of Orlando
Former Commissioner Iris Siple
City of Pembroke Pines
CITY LEADERS
who served his City from 1949 to 2014 and is widely believed to be one of the longest-serving mayors in the country. Land was also active with the FLC and served on the Board of Directors, who gave him the affectionate nickname “Dean of the Board” for his dedication to the League’s governance.
“The League deeply values the unwavering dedication of Florida’s municipal officials,” Executive Director/CEO Jeannie Garner said. “Their years of service exemplify a strong commitment to their communities and municipal governments. It is an honor to celebrate their remarkable achievements and enduring impact.”
City of Waldo Mayor Louie Davis has served on the Waldo City Council for 40 years. “I have been a lifetime resident of Waldo,” Davis said. Some of Davis’ most rewarding moments as an elected official were working with state Representative Sid Martin to fund a local park and opening a new fire station in 2017. Davis said, “I like helping people with
▾ Top: (From left) Scott Dudley, then FLC Director of Field Advocacy and Federal Affairs, and Council President Mike Weeks, Town of Sneads (2022).
Bottom: (From left) Mulberry Vice Mayor Collins L. Smith and Russell (2021).
▴ Top: (From left to right) Oakland Commissioner Salvador Ramos, then Mayor Kathy Stark, Commissioner Joseph McMullen, Vice Mayor Michael Satterfield, Russell and Commissioner Rick Polland (2023).
Middle: (From left) Diana Davis (spouse), Mayor Louie Davis of the City of Waldo and City Manager Kim Worley (2024).
Bottom: (From left) St. Leo Mayor Vincent D’Ambrosio, Mayor Pro Tem Donna DeWitt and Town Administrator Andrea B. Calvert (2022).
not only big problems but small ones because they are important to them. Waldo is my heart, and I have always wanted to do my best for my city.”
Elected officials recognized through this program receive a resolution and lapel pin marking their years of service. See page 9 for this year’s honorees and see photos and story at bit.ly/3AO1CZ4
Eryn Russell is the Member Services Administrator at the Florida League of Cities. QC
A Fond Farewell to the Editor
It is with gratitude that the Florida League of Cities recognizes Joy Dickinson, Quality Cities Senior Editor, for her years of dedicated service. Dickinson will retire at the end of the year, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the magazine. This issue marks her final one as Senior Editor. Dickinson has contributed to QC magazine for nearly seven years. Her vision and commitment have enriched the magazine and raised the bar for quality content in QC’s print and online stories. She has been a mentor and a friend to all who have had the pleasure of working alongside her. Her influence will be felt in QC’s pages for many years to come.
While we will greatly miss her storytelling, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. The League extends its heartfelt thanks to Dickinson for her outstanding contributions to Quality Cities and the organization. QC
Our magazine website QualityCities.com features stories that empower cities and highlight local voices making local choices.
The website showcases successful community projects and initiatives in your cities.
FLORIDA CITIES: Cities’ recognitions, solutions, business support and events
CITY LEADERS: Leaders’ recognitions, legacies and obituaries
ADVOCACY: Local voices and local choices
CITY SERVICES: Parks and recreation, arts and culture, infrastructure and health/safety services
QC SPOTLIGHT
EMPLOYEE PROFILE
WDana Bucklin: Dedicated, Detail-Oriented And Determined
hen describing Dana Bucklin, Investment Analyst for the Florida Municipal Investment Trust (FMIvT) at the Florida League of Cities, her co-workers say she is determined, detail-oriented and dedicated.
“When Dana transitioned into her current role as the Investment Analyst, she took it upon herself to streamline the processes that had been in place for a very long time,” said her supervisor, Jeff Blomeley , Manager , Investment and Retirement Services. “She is always diligent in her role, and I know I can trust her to protect the League and our members.”
Penny Mitchell, former Board Relations Administrator, said, “With any project Dana is tasked with, she will pay close attention to all the small particulars. Dana completes each assignment as flawlessly as possible before moving to the next project.”
Merrily Bennett , Affiliate Services Coordinator , echoes these thoughts. “Dana is very driven and likes to complete every job or task she is given in a timely manner,” Merrily said. Dana is kindhearted and wants everyone to succeed, she said. “She has helped everyone in her department in the past by offering suggestions or reminders to help complete a task. Dana’s dedication and commitment to her work is nothing short of exceptional.”
Dana, 36, came to the League more than 12 years ago. She oversees all activities related to the administrative services for the FMIvT. Dana has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University and Nova Southeastern University, respectively. She worked her way through school teaching gymnastics for the City of Tallahassee
Dana has an identical twin sister, Kelsey. Once, the twins were at the same party, and Penny talked to Kelsey for about five minutes before she realized it wasn’t Dana. “She won’t let me live that one down,” Penny said. She is married to Brandon Bucklin and has a 1-year-old daughter, Evelyn “Evie,” a dog, Ellie, and two cats, Oliver and Lily. In her spare time, Dana loves being outdoors with her family. “We enjoy camping, kayaking, hiking, fishing and more.”
They also love to travel. “My favorite experience that allowed me to do both was my wedding in Aspen, CO,” Dana said. “My husband and I hiked to a secluded area to say our vows and enjoy a picnic. Then, we hiked up to Independence Pass at sunset.” QC
DeLand Wins Award for Digital History Tour
People gather in a dining hall at Stetson University.
By Chris Graham City of DeLand
The City of DeLand , like other cities across Florida, has seen monumental growth in the past decade. As the City has grown, the public has become increasingly concerned about growth, development and maintaining the City’s small-town charm.
DeLand has a rich heritage. It was founded in 1876 and incorporated as a city six years later. DeLand is home to three nationally registered historic districts. Preserving the City’s history is so important that it is a guiding principle in the City’s strategic plan.
As the City was revising its strategic plan, it conducted a survey. The survey asked residents whether they agreed with preserving DeLand’s sense of community, which included the City’s historical assets; 89% of respondents agreed.
The Planning Department asked the City’s Public Information Officer to craft a campaign to help raise awareness of
the City’s historical assets and remind residents that much of the City’s rich history remains. The City targeted May, which is National Historic Preservation Month, to launch the campaign.
PLANNING TO CELEBRATE HISTORICAL ASSETS
The City’s research looked at how other communities celebrate historical assets. One way that caught the City leaders’ interest was to create a history tour. Historical societies often offer these tours for a charge. City leaders considered that many of the City’s historical assets are within a mile or so radius of each other. The tour option made the most sense because the City was presenting this initiative not only to residents, who value the City’s history and activities associated with it, but to visitors. The most cost-effective way to do this tour was to create a map on Google Maps. Not only was such a map free, but
◂ Postcard looks west on Indiana Avenue toward the historic Athens Theatre, with the post office on the right.
▸ The Kilkoff House, built in 1878, is one of the oldest homes in the DeLand area.
Cities Can Replicate Digital Tours to Show Appreciation For History
The digital history tour created by the City of DeLand could easily be replicated by other municipalities, particularly ones facing radical growth and residents who are concerned about maintaining their city’s historical significance.
The comprehensive digital history tour was done at no cost to the City other than staff time, which was minimal.
Not only does the tour provide an educational resource for residents, but it can be used by out-of-towners who want to visit significant historical and cultural sites. A digital history tour map can be repurposed in future years if a city wishes to add more sites.
people using the map could navigate to each site using their phone.
The City’s strategy was to use traditional and digital media to reach the target audience. Tactics included a news release to traditional media outlets, posters in areas with high foot traffic and social media posts on the City’s platforms.
IMPLEMENTATION OF HISTORY TOUR
The City’s Community Information team began working with the Planning Department to identify places of significance and gather background on those locations. Twenty-two sites were identified, as well as four historic districts.
The City adopted an official slogan for the campaign,
“Remembering our past, preserving our future,” that was printed on some of the literature.
The City leaders decided to create two maps. The first one allowed people to navigate site-to-site via Google Maps and move at their own pace. The other version was created through Google Earth, which allowed users to view each site via their computer or mobile device. Each location had a brief description of the site’s history.
Graphics were created for social media. The graphics featured AI artistic renderings of each site; identified the site, its historic architecture, the year built and a short background; and directed people to the digital historic tour map. A news release was sent to regional media outlets.
Throughout May, social media posts were made via Facebook and Instagram that highlighted sites on the
▴ Poster highlights many sites included on the historic tour.
digital history tour. The City also printed flyers with a QR code that linked passersby downtown to the digital historic tour map.
The City received 5,000 views on the digital historic tour map in May. That number has since climbed to nearly 8,000 views. Twenty-four posts were made on the City’s Facebook page, which reached 206,766 people.
The campaign generated many positive responses from the community. Some reflected on their childhood being spent in some of the featured locations.
For its efforts, the City has been awarded the Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Public Engagement.
Chris Graham is the Community Information Manager for the City of DeLand. QC
City of DeLand Wins Florida Municipal Achievement Award
The City of DeLand recently received the Florida League of Cities Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Public Engagement. The award focuses on a city program that builds a more vital, participative community. The program must develop civic awareness, increase education and knowledge of local government functions or promote active participation among residents, businesses and visitors.
The Oakland Nature Preserve has a classroom-sized pavilion on Lake Apopka.
By Andy Stewart Town of Oakland
One of the best ways to protect the environment is to promote environmental education and create stewards of all ages engaged in protecting the environment. The Oakland Nature Preserve (ONP) in the Town of Oakland does just that by inspiring and educating visitors.
The Nature Preserve encompasses about 150 acres of land. It includes a boardwalk to Lake Apopka with a classroom-sized pavilion on the lakefront, as well as a pavilion on a trail. The Preserve also has the Jim Thomas Environmental Education Center that includes a classroom, museum, library and live fish and turtle exhibits.
“The Oakland Nature Preserve is an oasis that not only enriches our Town’s natural beauty but also provides a tangible connection to its past to showcase old Florida,” said Mayor Shane Taylor. “ONP provides education and an understanding of Florida’s ecosystem.”
In 2023, about 40,000 guests visited the Preserve, which makes it the largest draw to the Town. The Town was honored with the Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship by the Florida League of Cities
The Preserve is host to area schools. These schools have accounted for well over 1,000 student days (days multiplied by number of students) when Preserve staff provided hands-on science and environmental education.
The Preserve has a dedicated education committee that has developed curricula to meet the state science standards in grades K-5. In 2022-2023, the Oakland Avenue Charter School was ranked among the top four schools in Orange County in scores for the Science Sunshine State Standards test.
The Preserve offers a homeschool series for ages 6-16, provides monthly story time for ages 2-5 and sends staff members for school visits upon request. It hosts six weeks of
◂ The Town of Oakland received the Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship.
summer camps. The Preserve also provides scout troops with a location to work on badges and has hosted Eagle Scout projects and a Girl Scout Bronze project. It partnered with a local foundation to administer the Youth Climate Project. That project challenges high school seniors to learn about the role climate change will play in Florida’s future and consider innovative ways to resolve its effects. Also, seven scholarship recipients in 2023 received $20,000 in scholarship funds from the Preserve.
For adults, the Preserve hosts the Florida Master Naturalist Program with the University of Florida . This program is an adult certification program with 45 participants. The Preserve also holds blue hikes, which are group kayak trips, and firefly hikes.
Special events at the Preserve draw thousands yearly. The Nature Fest Wildlife Festival provides the opportunity to meet with members of the environmental community. Nature Fest lets participants join in guided hikes and interact with animals that commonly live in Florida’s ecosystems.
“The family-friendly events that ONP sponsors allow visitors to connect and engage with nature,” Taylor said. “Firefly walks, the Pumpkin Glow Jack-O’-Lantern Trail and Earth Day celebrations are just a few events that showcase what ONP has to offer.”
The Pumpkin Glow Trail takes place annually around Halloween. Walking trails are lined with jack-o’-lanterns carved by members of the community. The pumpkins create an ethereal and beautiful nighttime hike.
The Town and other community partners fund the Preserve. The Town contributes more than $100,000 annually for its operation. The Preserve represents the largest undeveloped tract
Cities Can Replicate Environmental Education
Other Florida cities can learn from the Town of Oakland about efforts to protect the environment by promoting environmental education and creating environmental stewards of all ages. The Oakland Nature Preserve (ONP) is a highlight of the Town’s efforts.
“Environmental education is the key to ONP’s success,” said Mayor Shane Taylor. “It provides the visitor with knowledge to carry forward so they can try to implement what they have learned and adapt it to their communities.”
The Preserve is a 150-acre sanctuary committed to environmental education, conservation and restoration. With its diverse ecosystems and engaging programs, it lets visitors connect with nature and learn about the importance of environmental stewardship. The Preserve has planted over 4,000 native trees as well as upland grasses.
The Preserve offers recreational and educational opportunities in an outdoor classroom to teach about Florida’s ecology and spark interest in environmental protection. The Town’s initiative is meant to ensure that its natural beauty and surroundings are preserved for future generations.
Oakland aims to be a model for other municipalities. For more information on the Preserve, visit oaklandnaturepreserve. wildapricot.org.
▴ The Preserve includes a boardwalk to Lake Apopka.
of land in the Town, and its environmental education and outreach programs are predicted to benefit the community as residential development increases.
The growth of programs for all ages, science scores for the Oakland Avenue Charter School students, active volunteers and visitors show that the Preserve is succeeding in its goals of engagement and education.
Taylor said, “The Oakland Nature Preserve is truly a ‘hidden gem’ and makes the Town of Oakland a better place to live, work and play!”
Andy Stewart is the Town Manager for the Town of Oakland. QC
Oakland Wins a Florida Municipal Achievement Award
The Town of Oakland recently received the Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship from the Florida League of Cities. The Environmental Stewardship award recognizes a city program that promotes environmental sustainability, improves and protects environmental conditions or provides environmental education and outreach programs within a city.
▴ Summer camps are held at the Preserve.
Sarasota Housing Program Awarded
By Steven Cover City of Sarasota
City staff hosted open houses to discuss the need for attainable housing and the proposed density bonus programs.
Since 2021, the City of Sarasota has been working to implement a density bonus program to incentivize the private development of attainable housing units citywide in downtown and along commercial corridors and commercial centers.
So far, there have been five development applications that have come in proposing to use the attainable housing incentive to construct a total of 107 attainable housing units citywide. The Florida League of Cities selected Sarasota as the winner of the 2024 Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Local Action.
The City has experienced an affordable housing crisis that was amplified following the coronavirus pandemic. In January 2021, the North Port-SarasotaBradenton Metropolitan Statistical Area experienced the largest rental rate increase in the country, with a 44.3% increase compared to 2020. Based on data from surveys conducted by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce , attainable/workforce housing (for residents making 60-120% of the area median income) was identified as a clear need within the community. The North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton area rent spike is no. 2 in the nation and increased by 54.8% over the past three years, according to a 2024 article in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
“The City of Sarasota has seen a significant increase in the need for affordable housing over the last few years,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “Many young professionals and members of the local workforce are finding it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing near their places of work, resulting in long commutes for workers and difficulties in hiring for local businesses.”
In 2023, the Sarasota City Commission adopted the downtown attainable housing density program. The goal of the Commisson has been to incentivize private sector developers to construct on-site attainable housing units.
This effort has been accomplished through Comprehensive Plan Amendments and subsequent Zoning Text Amendments to implement attainable housing incentives citywide. In 2024, the City Commission approved a second attainable housing density program that will incentivize the creation of private mixed-use development and require housing for a mix of incomes along the major commercial corridors and commercial centers. It has been a city goal to incentivize transit-oriented development by locating more compact development in the downtown area and along commercial areas.
Density Bonus Program Can Be Replicated
While density bonus percentages and regulations are city-specific, the fundamental elements of the City of Sarasota’s attainable housing density bonus program can be used in other cities and provide the foundation for implementation of a housing program.
The simplicity of the attainable housing density bonus program was intentional for developers to easily understand and take advantage of the program and as a model in translating the policy to other municipalities. Other developers have shown interest in using the density bonus program, including a city-initiated proposal to construct approximately 192 attainable housing units downtown.
▴ Briana Dobbs, Chief Planner, received input from residents at the East Sarasota Open House.
IMPLEMENTATION AND OUTCOMES
A combination of outreach efforts, multi-jurisdictional communication and research culminated in the final attainable housing density bonus program that has been implemented downtown and in the proposed Urban Mixed-Use zone districts. (See details in article, p. 25.)
The program’s success is measured by the increase in the number of attainable housing units provided by the private sector. Since the program’s adoption, four projects have been formally submitted that are proposing to use the incentive. The three formal development applications under review will result in about 90 attainable units downtown. Other developers have shown interest in using the density bonus program, including a City-initiated proposal to construct approximately 192 attainable housing units downtown.
State law includes requirements that a local government must fully offset all costs to a developer when requiring a private development to provide a certain amount of affordable housing. Sarasota’s program addresses this requirement. The City’s program requires the developer to provide a mix of attainable household incomes, allows for rental or owner-occupied attainable housing units and considers the compatibility of the development to the surrounding area.
“The Attainable Housing Density Bonus Program will benefit the entire community of Sarasota and, most importantly, provide opportunities for attainable housing within the City,” Alpert said.
Steven Cover is the Director of Planning for the City of Sarasota. QC
Sarasota Wins Florida Municipal Achievement Award
The City of Sarasota recently received the Florida League of Cities Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Local Action.
The award is given to a city for a specific, single citywide effort that successfully addresses a local need.
▴ Education and community engagement were keys to the success of the programs.
City Density Bonus Program Timeline
The Sarasota City Commission directed Planning Department staff to draft Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code revisions pertaining to attainable housing incentives.
From 2021 to the present, outreach was conducted to facilitate community input and support across a diversity of stakeholder groups and educate the public on the proposed attainable housing incentive program. Outreach included:
▸ Presentations
▸ Town halls
▸ Open houses
▸ Neighborhood association meetings
▸ Virtual input sessions
▸ Coordination with the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, business groups and developer groups
The City also communicated with other local jurisdictions across Florida that are using attainable housing incentive programs. It also reviewed recommendations from Sarasota’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and Sarasota’s Blueprint for Workforce Housing Action Plan.
The City Commission approved 11 ordinances associated with a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to promote the private development of attainable housing citywide. These amendments allow for the following:
▸ A predictable approval process via administrative review for developments using the attainable housing density bonus program
▸ A density bonus of up to four times the base density when attainable housing is provided on-site
▸ A new Urban Mixed-Use Future Land Use classification
▸ An ability to achieve an attainable housing density bonus of up to three times the base density of the Urban Mixed-Use Future Land Use classification
The City Commission unanimously approved a Zoning Text Amendment providing an attainable housing density bonus program for specified downtown zone districts.
The program requires that at least 15% of the bonus units above the base density for a development must be attainable to households earning 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and below for a minimum of 30 years. The bonus units must be provided on-site.
A second Zoning Text Amendment was approved by the City Commission to create three Urban Mixed-Use zone districts along the commercial corridors.
The districts offer the ability to achieve a density bonus of up to three times the base density of the Future Land Use classification and an option to receive a height bonus of one or two stories, depending on the zone district, in exchange for on-site attainable housing. This amendment proposes a similar attainable housing density bonus and incorporates specifications regarding development requirements for a mix of attainable incomes, affordability, monitoring and design standards to promote compatibility.
St. Cloud Recognized For Economic Assistance Program
By Antranette Forbes City of St. Cloud
Traditionally, economic developers are focused on creating jobs, strengthening the tax base and improving quality of life through the recruitment and retention of new and existing businesses. But what happens when that plan is tested by a global pandemic, infrastructure project delays and a lulling economy? Many businesses in the City of St. Cloud’s downtown business community were facing closure.
In response, St. Cloud offered an innovative, multilayered suite of financial and technical assistance programs for downtown businesses. The Downtown Economic Gardening Program has been awarded the Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Economic Advancement by the Florida League of Cities. The Program also won the 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Award (Bronze) for Business Retention and Expansion from the International Economic Development Council. The program was launched to support small and midsize businesses by providing resources to assist in business continuity and sustainability while they were plagued with a lack of sales. The program offered
◂
$190,000 in assistance, including grants, technical support, fee waivers and marketplace information.
The cultivation of entrepreneurs into small business enterprises that enhance economic growth and sustainability has been the goal of the City for five years. The business community is primarily (99%) made up of small businesses. Of those, 32% are home-based. Many of those home-based businesses look to the downtown monthly market as an avenue to showcase their products and services. Several businesses have expanded from their homes into the downtown footprint.
In 2022, the City embarked on its second phase of the Downtown Revitalization Project along Pennsylvania Avenue from Ninth to 13th Streets. The project scope included new underground utilities, brick paver streets, landscaping, decorative lighting and sidewalk furniture. They anticipated eight months of construction. Due to project delays, the original proposed timeline was extended through the busy holiday shopping season and the first quarter of 2023. Businesses were seeing declines in sales, residents were avoiding the construction zone, and business owners were frustrated.
(Top) Construction crew breaks ground on St. Cloud’s downtown streetscape project. (Bottom) Downtown’s newly revitalized streetscape.
▴ Customers could purchase $10 downtown shopping vouchers for $5.
Economic Gardening Program
Adaptable to Other Cities
Projects such as the Economic Gardening Program can be duplicated in other communities.
This program is a prime example of how to conduct a team approach for target marketing and maximize resource allocation with assets that are in a city’s portfolio. Collaborative efforts using existing resources can reduce costs and will increase the return on investment to the communities being served.
ECONOMIC GARDENING PROGRAM INITIATED
The City’s Economic Development Department initiated the Economic Gardening Program. The City focused on local businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic that were facing closure or tasked with drastically reconfiguring operations, as well as new businesses that were just getting on their feet before the crisis hit. The initiatives included grant programs for small businesses and nonprofits, fee waivers for City services, and resources providing technical support and marketplace information. The objective was to create several layers of temporary financial and technical assistance for local businesses to have business continuity.
Economic gardening is an entrepreneurial approach to economic development that promotes companies growing from within your own community structure. It embraces the idea that entrepreneurs drive economies. As the St. Cloud downtown business community consists solely of entrepreneurs, strategies such as gaining access to competitive intelligence, developing new markets and refining business models are at the core of the program’s foundation.
The City’s strategies concentrated on helping local entrepreneurs overcome obstacles that stunt their business growth and development — not just during construction but into the future. The programs were provided at no cost to the businesses.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OFFERED
The City provided the following four programs that offered financial assistance:
▸ Cloud Cash. With a $100,000 grant from the City, St. Cloud Main Street provided its Cloud Cash program. Customers purchased $10 vouchers on the Main Street website for just $5 to spend downtown With the City using a grant to cover the additional $5 value on the voucher, merchants accepted the vouchers just like cash and earned the full $10 value on each purchase. The program helped bring customers back to the downtown area, with more than 50 merchants participating in Cloud Cash. All of the vouchers were purchased in two weeks.
▸ Utility assistance. The utility assistance program provided financial assistance to small and large commercial utility clients who were in good standing before the construction. The City, through its partnership with the local utility providers, made $35,000 in direct payments to customers’ accounts.
▸ Marketing grants. St. Cloud allocated $50,000 in grants for marketing to its downtown businesses. The City provided grants of up to $1,000 each to help those businesses that were impacted by the ongoing construction. The funds were to be used to promote each company and could be used for items such as pay-per-clicks, radio and television spots and print media.
▸ Shuttle and parking. The City provided complimentary parking via a lease agreement with a local church for the use of their lot during non-service hours. Also, the City provided a free shuttle service on weekdays and special event days. The shuttle was an 11-passenger vehicle with the “St. Cloud Downtown Shuttle” digitally featured on the upper front window. It circulated around downtown and offered several stops. The shuttle service was provided for 10 weeks.
CITY ADDS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Through a partnership with the University of Central Florida Business Incubator Program, the City offered technical assistance training.
The GrowthWheel pilot program offered one-on-one coaching sessions. The sessions were designed to create and implement economic sustainability and resiliency measures to better position participating businesses for business continuity, preparedness and long-term economic growth. One participant expanded into an additional location.
SUCCESS CAN BE MEASURED
From 2020 to 2023, the total number of downtown businesses within a 1-mile radius increased from 608 to 679, and the total number of employees jumped from 4,324 to 5,091. Retail and hospitality/food service increased by 14%. All programs combined resulted in a 21% increase in total annual consumer spending within a 1-mile radius and 28% within a 5-mile radius, as reported by CoStar, a platform for commercial real estate analysis.
The number of consumers increased, too, as evidenced by the increase in traffic.
◂ Eryn Russell (right), Member Services Administrator at the Florida League of Cities, presents the Florida Municipal Achievement Award to the St. Cloud City Council and staff.
The primary piece that makes this program innovative is the creative use of various funding sources in non-traditional uses. Funds from multiple resources, including the City’s general fund, Community Development Block Grant and tax increment fund, were combined and harnessed to create powerful resources.
In the past five years, St. Cloud has experienced many hurdles that included not only the pandemic and construction delays but also supply chain reliability and Hurricane Ian disaster recovery. The City has excelled through these challenges due to its commitment to the businesses and their resiliency, according to Mayor Nathan Blackwell
“With each obstacle, the City has been proactive and intentional about creating programs that not only stabilize but, more importantly, stimulate new economic activity,” Blackwell said. “We are committed to our community – residents and our businesses. It’s that commitment which bred the Economic Gardening Program.”
Antranette Forbes is the Economic Development Director for the City of St. Cloud. QC
City of St. Cloud Wins Florida Municipal Achievement Award
The City of St. Cloud recently received the Florida League of Cities Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Economic Advancement.
This award focuses on a city program that supports, highlights or partners with a city’s local business community to improve the economic well-being of a city.
Blake Takes the Helm
FLC President’s initiative includes recruitment
By Kelli Gemmer Florida League of Cities
At the Florida League of Cities (FLC) Annual Conference, the membership elected Michael C. Blake , Mayor of the City of Cocoa , to serve as the League’s President. Blake will lead the League for the 2024-2025 term alongside First Vice President Holly D. Smith , Councilwoman for the City of Sanibel, and Second Vice President Mark Franks, Mayor of the Town of Shalimar. (See information about Smith on p. 36 and Franks on p. 37.)
“I am deeply honored to be chosen as President of the Florida League of Cities,” said Blake immediately following his installation. “I am both grateful and excited to take on this role. I commit to doing all I can to advance the League’s mission and to be a steadfast advocate for local voices making local choices.”
Blake’s first model of public service was his father, who dedicated 40 years of his life as a public servant and demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion for his community. “His footsteps have paved the way for my own journey, and I am profoundly grateful for the values and lessons he instilled in me,” said Blake.
During his year as President, Blake will focus on bolstering and expanding cities’ existing recruitment strategies. Cities are facing challenges in recruiting and retaining employees, especially when competing with the private sector. A new League resource launched this year will support cities in finding the talent they need to succeed.
FLC LAUNCHES JOBS RESOURCE
With this focus on workforce initiatives, the League launched flcityjobs.com, which serves as a one-stop destination for city recruitment. The platform is designed to connect city job postings with applicants seeking fulfilling careers in public service.
Beyond a listing site, FLCityJobs is a resource to strengthen recruitment strategies for cities and highlight job opportunities for talented professionals who are eager to make a difference in their communities. FLC will use targeted marketing and digital advertising to ensure this recruitment portal reaches prospective candidates in Florida and beyond. In addition, the League will participate in recruitment fairs that bring together city jobs and candidates face-to-face.
FLC President Michael C. Blake at a Glance
Michael C. Blake has served the City of Cocoa for 17 years, 12 of those as Mayor. He was first elected to the City Council in 1998 and served as Councilman through 2001. In 2004, he was elected as Mayor and served two terms until 2012. In 2014, he was elected as Councilman and served until June 2016. Blake was again elected Mayor in 2020 and again in 2024. Blake has supported Cocoa’s redevelopment and economy, including supporting the City’s efforts to create jobs and expand affordable housing.
Learn more about Florida League of Cities President Michael C. Blake in this exclusive video interview at bit.ly/4f6D24o.
A respected community leader, Blake has served on boards, committees and task forces for the City. He has served as a member of the Cocoa Community Redevelopment Agency and as a liaison to key organizations such as the Cocoa Housing Authority, Weed and Seed and the Space Coast Transportation and Planning Organization.
Blake serves on the National League of Cities Board of Directors and the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust Board. His leadership experience includes his past presidency with the Space Coast League of Cities and a past membership on the Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors.
▴ Steve A. Brock (right), Senior Pastor at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Cocoa, installs incoming FLC President Michael C. Blake.
Blake, who spent 30 years as an educator, is committed to investing in the next generation of municipal leaders. “Educating and investing in our children is the cornerstone of building a brighter future, as they are the leaders, innovators and caretakers of our communities.”
LEAGUE OFFERS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP
To help ensure that Florida’s cities continue to thrive long into the future, the League will launch the annual FLC Scholarship. This scholarship will provide financial support and educational opportunities to nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
This commitment echoes Blake’s passion for investing in our communities’ future. The City of Cocoa launched an initiative to boost public safety recruitment by partnering with Cocoa High School to offer Public Safety sponsorships for graduating seniors. Two students have completed the program and were recently sworn in as Cocoa firefighters, with two more enrolled this year.
“In reflecting on some of our local successes, I am reminded of the broader impact we can achieve through dedicated leadership and innovative thinking,” said Blake. “As I step into the role of League President, I carry forward this commitment to fostering growth and opportunity across all of our communities.”
During his year as President, Blake hopes to bring innovative ideas and a vibrant energy that will inspire Florida’s cities and promote a prosperous and sustainable future.
“Together, let’s embrace a journey of growth and empowerment and help shape a brighter tomorrow for all who call Florida home.”
Kelli Gemmer is the Director of Communications at the Florida League of Cities. QC
POST OPEN JOBS FOR YOUR CITY
Introducing FLC’s new online job portal: FLCityJobs .
Key Benefits for Your City:
• Post and manage job listings independently
• Import job details automatically
• Track applicant sources with data insights
Hiring the right talent is a priority, and FLCityJobs is here to help.
FLCityJobs is more than just a job portal; it’s a strategic tool designed to help your city compete in today’s challenging hiring landscape, offering powerful features to support your recruiting process.
Holly D. Smith, FLC First VP
Holly D. Smith, Councilwoman for the City of Sanibel, has been named First Vice President of the Florida League of Cities (FLC).
Smith received the E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. (For information on this year’s winner, see article, p. 38.)
She has participated in the League FAST Fly-Ins and traveled multiple times during the state legislative session to speak with legislators and before committees. Smith also serves on multiple FLC committees. She has received the FLC Home Rule Hero award for seven consecutive years. She is also the immediate past President of the Southwest Florida League of Cities.
Smith was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Florida Municipal Loan Council. She also served two terms on the Board of Directors for the Florida League of Mayors. She currently serves on the Board of the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust.
Smith was Mayor when Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida in 2022. A storm surge of 8-15 feet washed over Sanibel, breaching the causeway connecting Sanibel’s island community to the mainland in five places. Smith subsequently kept Sanibel’s significant issues in front of key officials, and Sanibel received hundreds of millions in state aid. She continues those advocacy efforts today at the regional, state and federal levels.
Smith champions efforts to improve the quality and quantity of the waters surrounding Sanibel Island, Southwest Florida and throughout the state. She serves on the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, a bipartisan federal task force to protect the Everglades and the Florida economy, which is dependent upon these restoration efforts.
Smith and her husband, Jason , own and operate two hotel properties in Lee County. They have two sons, Zane and Peyton. Smith’s first grandchild, from Zane and his wife, Savannah , was born on September 3, 2024. When not working, you’ll find Smith and her husband fishing and enjoying all that Florida offers. QC
Learn more about Florida League of Cities First Vice President Holly D. Smith in this exclusive video interview at bit.ly/4dOtKZA.
Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks Elected Second VP
Florida League of Cities (FLC) membership selected Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks as Second Vice President of the League.
“As a mayor of a small city, I’m excited to bring the unique perspectives of smaller cities to the table and work alongside leaders from across Florida to ensure that all communities, big and small, can thrive,” Franks said.
Franks is a Past President of the Northwest Florida League of Cities, which includes cities from Monticello to Pensacola. He will serve as a board member for the Okaloosa County League of Cities
He is particularly pleased to be representing Northwest Florida. “I was born and raised in Okaloosa County, and my family has deep roots in the area going back to the 1930s,” Franks said.
Franks has been involved in government and his community for over 20 years. He chaired the Community Perspectives and Government Affairs Committees for the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and is the honorary commander for the 33rd Fighter Wing on Eglin Air Force Base
Franks has worked in the financial industry for over 25 years. He earned his undergraduate degree and an MBA from Troy University.
Franks and Luoma, his wife of 29 years, like to garden, ride their 2017 HarleyDavidson Ultra motorcycle, enter their 1971 Mustang Mach 1 in local car shows, travel to historical sites and shop for antiques. They are members of The Church at Shalimar
He urges his fellow elected officials, especially those who are new to office, to get involved with the FLC as much as possible. “The League is an excellent resource for training, advocacy, education and more,” Franks said. “The regional leagues are also a great way to connect with fellow municipal leaders and promote regional and local priorities in your area.” QC
Learn more about Florida League of Cities Second Vice President Mark Franks in this exclusive video interview at bit.ly/3Cn6Prt.
Coerper Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
By Joy Dickinson Florida League of Cities
At the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference, the League announced that Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper is this year’s recipient of the prestigious E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Throughout my life, I’ve always volunteered, and I’ve always wanted to help,” said Coerper after he received the award. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I’ve been in the City of Alachua for nearly 50 years, and it’s such an honor to be involved in this wonderful community.”
For many in Alachua, Coerper is as much a part of the town’s identity as its historic Main Street. He moved to Alachua in the 1970s after serving in the Navy. Since that time, Coerper has devoted his life to public service. He was elected to the City Commission in 1999 and then became the City’s first elected Mayor in 2010. He has been reelected four times.
◂ Standing with Coerper are (from left) League President Michael C. Blake, now former President Greg Ross and First Vice President Holly D. Smith.
Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper accepts the award at the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference.
CITY LEADERS
E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented annually, the E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award is named for Supreme Court
Justice E. Harris Drew. He is the man who coined a Florida League of Cities motto: “Local self-government, the key to American democracy.” The award recognizes and honors local elected officials who have made lasting and worthwhile contributions to the citizens of Florida through their efforts and dedication in the performance of their duties at the local level.
▸ Coerper stands with (from left) Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares, Renea Valladares (spouse), Commissioner Jennifer Ringersen, Vice Mayor Ed Potts, Commissioner Shirley Green Brown, City Manager Mike DaRoza and Amanda DaRoza (spouse).
Alachua has grown significantly under Coerper’s leadership while maintaining its small-town charm. The City’s population has nearly doubled, and major companies have established logistics operations and distribution centers there. Alachua now boasts one of the largest bioscience business clusters in the Southeast. Coerper’s commitment to infrastructure investment and innovative technologies has been pivotal in attracting these enterprises and providing diverse employment opportunities in the community.
His efforts have also fostered educational growth in Alachua. A partnership with Santa Fe College led to the establishment of a stand-alone satellite campus, providing citizens with opportunities for higher education close to home. The City was awarded a $6.7 million Florida Job Growth Grant, which, with the University of Florida Foundation, was used to develop a parkway that will potentially double the bioscience sector.
The construction of Legacy Park, with a multipurpose center, has become a hub for community and regional activities, earning accolades like the Mid-Market Venue of the Year from the Florida Sports Foundation. An amphitheater allows the City to host “America’s Largest Small-Town Fireworks.” He is particularly proud of the inclusive playground.
Nearby is the Hal Brady Recreation Center, developed on property purchased from a private school that closed. The Center has a skate park and several sports fields. It has hosted the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series multiple times.
When being interviewed for an oral history project in Alachua, Coerper said, “Seeing what needs to be done and being involved makes a huge difference, but sometimes it comes from the heart and your vision, too.”
His dedication to his community extends beyond his office duties. Despite the part-time nature of his role, Coerper spends most of his days walking around town. He visits business owners and residents to joke with them and stay attuned to their needs.
Learn more about Gib Coerper, winner of the E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award, in an exclusive video interview at bit.ly/4eUfsrP.
As a member of the Alachua Lions Club for more than 20 years, Coerper has been honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest recognition of Lions Club International. Also, his participation in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life has been instrumental in raising substantial funds for cancer research.
Coerper has continually demonstrated his commitment to the town he calls home. His impact on the youth is particularly noteworthy. Coerper served as the high school boys’ soccer booster club president for seven years and has been a youth liaison for a local Boy Scouts of America troop for nearly two decades. His efforts in renovating an aging scout facility raised over $75,000.
Coerper was also a weekly tutor in local elementary schools for 10 years, which led to his recognition as Volunteer of the Year by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce. He also started a program with the Police Chief to eliminate any fears children might have about meeting a city official or police officer. Coerper and the Chief meet annually with
third graders and answer their questions. “I love helping kids become good adults,” he said.
That sentiment extends to his family. When Coerper went through a divorce, he and his wife agreed he should have full custody of his son. “It was the hardest job, raising my son, but he’s a wonderful man, talented, a great artist, and he’s given me a beautiful granddaughter.”
Coerper continues to build a legacy of servant leadership in his beloved hometown. His tireless service has left an indelible mark on the City. Coerper’s dedication has enhanced residents’ quality of life and positioned Alachua as a forward-thinking community with a vibrant future.
Joy Dickinson is the Senior Editor at the Florida League of Cities. QC
Mayor Gib Coerper
At a Glance
▸ Award for Outstanding Service to Our Community by St. Luke AME Church of Alachua
▸ Multiple-year recipient of the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award
▸ President of the Alachua County League of Cities
▸ Volunteer for the American Cancer Society
CITY LEADERS
FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES
2024-25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dade City Past President
Scott Black Mayor
Patricia Bates Mayor Altamonte Springs Past President
Esteban Bovo Mayor Hialeah Sixth Most Populous City
Felicia Brunson Mayor West Park District 13 Director
Jolien Caraballo Vice Mayor Port St. Lucie Past President
Traci L. Callari Commissioner Hollywood District 13 Director
Chris Cloudman Mayor DeLand District 3 Director
Joy Cooper Mayor Hallandale Beach Past President
First Vice President Holly D. Smith Councilwoman Sanibel
Second Vice President Mark Franks Mayor Shalimar
Diana Adams Deputy Mayor West Melbourne District 4 Director
Louie Davis Mayor Waldo District 5 Director
Joseph Corradino Mayor Pinecrest District 14 Director
Joyce Davis Commissioner Dania Beach District 13 Director
Karyn Cunningham Mayor Palmetto Bay District 14 Director
President Michael C. Blake Mayor Cocoa
CITY LEADERS
Ed Dodd Mayor Sebastian District 9 Director
Thomas DeVille Council Member Penney Farms District 2 Director
Copley Gerdes Vice Chair
St. Petersburg Fifth Most Populous City
Kimberly Glas-Castro Vice Mayor Lake Park District 12 Director
Leo E. Longworth Commissioner Bartow Past President
Nancy Miller Mayor Daytona Beach Shores District 3 Director
Todd Drosky Vice Mayor Deerfield Beach District 13 Director
Rodney Harris Mayor Miami Gardens District 14 Director
Rahman Johnson Council Member Jacksonville First Most Populous City
Joseph McMullen Commissioner Oakland District 6 Director
John Gunter Mayor Cape Coral Ninth Most Populous City
John Dowless Mayor Edgewood District 6 Director
J.P. O’Connor Mayor Westlake District 12 Director
Antonio “Tony” Ortiz Commissioner Orlando Past President
Omarr C. Nickerson Mayor El Portal District 14 Director
Stephanie Morgan Councilwoman
Port St. Lucie Seventh Most Populous City
CITY LEADERS
Damian Pardo Commissioner Miami
Second Most Populous City
Joanne Ribble Vice Mayor Estero District 11 Director
Trish Springer Councilor Seminole District 8 Director
Mayor Auburndale District 7 Director
Michael P. Pleus City Manager DeLand FCCMA Liaison
Cal Rolfson Councilmember
Mount Dora District 5 Director
Susan Starkey Vice Mayor Davie District 13 Director
Mayor Fort Lauderdale 10th Most Populous City
Chelsea Reed Mayor Palm Beach Gardens District 12 Director
Isaac Salver Vice Mayor Bay Harbor Islands Past President
Sarah Stoeckel Council Member Titusville District 4 Director
Councilman Tampa Third Most Populous City
Thomas Reid Commissioner South Pasadena District 8 Director
Mayor Pro Tem Niceville District One Director
Robert Stuart Commissioner Orlando Fourth Most Populous City
Vice Mayor Haines City District 7 Director
William Schaetzle
Dorothea Taylor Bogert
Morris West
Dean Trantalis
Luis Viera
J.B. Whitten Mayor Crestview District 1 Director
Molly Young Mayor Tequesta District 12 Director
Brian Williams Commissioner Palmetto District 10 Director
Dianne Williams-Cox Commissioner Tallahassee Eighth Most Populous City
Wilsen Commissioner Ocoee District 6 Director
FLC EXECUTIVE STAFF
Jeannie Garner Executive Director/CEO
Chris Krepcho Chief of Insurance and Financial Services
Eric Hartwell General Counsel/ Chief Legal Officer
Jenna Tala Chief of Strategy and External Affairs
Maclain Benton Chief Financial Officer
Michaela Metcalfe Board Relations Administrator
Casey Cook Chief of Legislative Affairs
Rosemary
By Chris Holley Florida League of Cities
Have you ever considered a cross-country road trip? Just the thought scares 95% of people away from attempting such a feat. The first thing you need to do is decide where you want to go and what stops you’ll make along the way … then, most importantly, you’ll need a road map (or GPS).
Attempting to secure grants for your community can feel like a very similar undertaking. Luckily for members of the Florida League of Cities (FLC), you have the assistance you need, thanks to a partnership that started in 2021. Following a membership survey, where more than 80% of respondents noted grants assistance as a need, the League launched a partnership with eCivis, now Euna Solutions. Since then, more than half of Florida’s 411 cities have signed up to take advantage of this member benefit.
The League has invested so that every municipality in Florida receives free access to a searchable database of over 10,000 federal, state and foundation grants. Cities can search for grants, save them to projects or route them to others for review. Since the program began, more than 100,000 grants have been viewed by FLC users, and more than 1,500 have been saved. Once saved, you can set up notifications so that you are made aware when any funding or program announcements are made. Some grants even have included previously awarded applications you can view so that you can see what a successful application looks like.
Just like the voice of your GPS guiding you along your travels, you also have access to dedicated Euna Solutions staff members to help you get the most out of the Grants Assistance Program. They are available to walk you through the search functions so that you find what matches your needs.
The FLC Grants Assistance Program also includes a discounted rate for cities to purchase the Grants Management module from Euna Solutions. The module aids cities in establishing an auditable trail of approvals for grant applications, grant awards and compliance reporting. The League not only wants to help you find the grants but also assists in setting up a compliance structure.
A road map of sorts … starting with a search of where you want to go and then laying out the stops along the way. Cities of all sizes can register for access to Euna grants and view a webinar about the program through the FLC website at flcities.com/grants
Chris Holley is the Director of Member Services and Training at the Florida League of Cities. QC
The Euna Solutions membership is a fabulous ‘perk’ of our membership in FLC. It is a great tool for obtaining grants as it compiles grants from a variety of sources, including government and public organizations. As a result of daily grant notifications, we were aware of, and successfully applied for, grants supplying protective equipment for our firefighters, state and federal transportation study grants and environmental grants.
– Shari Simmans, Director, Economic Development, Communications and
Government Affairs, City of DeBary
Euna Solutions has been a valuable tool for the City of Largo. Having a listing of all the latest grant opportunities in one place has been extremely helpful in our quest to find funding for a variety of important projects. I would recommend Euna Solutions for any local government.
– Christopher Hawks,
Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator,
City of Largo
FLC GRANTS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Florida League of Cities (FLC) offers the Grants Assistance Program with Euna Solutions, providing member cities with grant research and training opportunities as well as valuable cost savings for assistance with application writing and grant management. FLC has invested in this program so that every city in Florida has access to the support they need with Euna Solutions.
Through the Grants Assistance Program, our members have access to:
OVER 10,000 GRANTS
View the nation’s largest professionally curated database of more than 10,000 federal, state and foundation grants that are tracked for new solicitation notifications. The database includes:
▸ A customizable search engine that supports tagging of relevant grants, allowing new or updated grant information to be sent to your designated staff person
▸ A library of previously awarded grant applications to use as templates
▸ Pre-award management of application compliance, tracking and deadline notifications
DEDICATED
GRANT COORDINATOR
Connect with a dedicated Euna Solutions Florida Grant Coordinator to help you find the best fit for your city.
▸ Your grant coordinator can assist with system training, grant research, grant policies, and reviewing additional Euna Solutions services
DISCOUNTED POST-AWARD SUITE SERVICES
Access Euna Solutions’ post-award suite for improved collaboration, tracking and reporting at a vastly discounted rate.
To register your city for this program, please visit flcities.com/grants.
Questions?
▸ For general program questions, email grants@flcities.com
▸ For questions about system training and grant research, email flcgrants@eunasolutions.com
Officials’ Certificate Program
Grows in Second Year
The Certificate Program for Elected Municipal Officials has grown to 161 recipients in its second year. The certificate achievement program rewards municipal officials for their commitment and dedication to training and continuing education. Last year, the Florida League of Cities (FLC) launched the certificate program to recognize elected officials participating in the League’s many training opportunities.
▴ Mayor N’Kosi L. Jones (right), City of Bowling Green, shares a light moment with Christen Barton, Member Training Specialist at the Florida League of Cities.
Certificate of EXCELLENCE
Diana Adams, Deputy Mayor, City of West Melbourne
Jen Ahearn-Koch, Commissioner, City of Sarasota
David Alfin, Mayor, City of Palm Coast
Omar Arroyo, Mayor, City of Haines City
Antonio V. Arserio, Commissioner, City of Margate
Patrick Austin, Commissioner, City of Sanford
Thomas Barnhorn, Councilor, City of Seminole
Pat Bentley, Mayor, City of West Melbourne
B.J. Bishop, Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Rufus J. Borom, Commissioner, City of Palatka
Doug Bryant, Councilmember, City of Mount Dora
Phyllis Butlien, Vice Mayor, City of DeBary
Justin R. Campbell, Commissioner, City of Palatka
Carolyn Cassidy, Commissioner, Town of Ocean Ridge
Nan Cobb, Former Commissioner, City of Eustis
Gloria Cox, Mayor, City of Monticello
Jack Dearmin, Commissioner, City of Lake Alfred
Patrick DeGrave, Vice Mayor, City of Fruitland Park
Thomas E. DeVille, Council Member, Town of Penney Farms
Lisa Kane DeVitto, Commissioner, City of Crescent City
Susy Diaz, Councilmember, City of Greenacres
Ed Dodd, Mayor, City of Sebastian
Todd Drosky, Vice Mayor, City of Deerfield Beach
William Dryburgh, Councilmember, City of Punta Gorda
Melissa P. Dunn, Commissioner, City of Lauderhill
Roger Eckert, Commissioner, City of Lake Helen
Sam Fite, Vice Mayor, City of Bowling Green
Mac Fuller, Mayor, City of Lake Alfred
Dave Gattis, Mayor, City of Belleair Beach
Charlotte Gillis, Councilwoman, City of Edgewater
Kimberly Glas-Castro, Vice Mayor, Town of Lake Park
Penny Gold, Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
Sandy Golding, Vice Mayor, City of Jacksonville Beach
Michael Gonzalez, Councilmember, City of Clermont
Jake Hill Jr., Former Council Member, City of Lake City
John Eric Hoover, Mayor, City of Port Richey
Denise Horland, Councilmember, City of Plantation
Linda Hudson, Mayor, City of Fort Pierce
Curtis Johnson Jr., Commissioner, City of Fort Pierce
Kenny Johnson, Councilman, City of Palm Bay
John S. Jones Jr., Councilmember, City of Monticello
N’Kosi L. Jones, Mayor, City of Bowling Green
Keith Keene, Deputy Mayor, City of Arcadia
NanDrycka King Albert, Councilwoman, City of Midway
Lorraine Koss, Councilwoman, City of Cocoa
Greg Langowski, Vice Mayor, City of Westlake
William “B.J.” Laurie, Commissioner, City of Crescent City
Sarah Malega, Vice Mayor, City of Lake Worth Beach
Lisa Martin, Commissioner, City of New Smyrna Beach
Lynne R. Matthews, Mayor, City of Punta Gorda
Bob Mayersohn, Former Commissioner, City of Parkland
Debbie McDowell, Commissioner, City of North Port
Matthew McMillan, Mayor, City of Longwood
Jane Mealy, Commissioner, City of Flagler Beach
Roger Michaud, Mayor, Town of Lake Park
Mike Miller, Vice Mayor, City of Sanibel
Nancy Miller, Mayor, City of Daytona Beach Shores
Stephanie Morgan, Councilwoman, City of Port St. Lucie
Janice D. Mortimer, Commissioner, City of Starke
Christopher R. Nunn, Councilmember, City of Sebastian
Bernard W. Oder, Councilmember, City of Mary Esther
Karen M. Ostrand, Mayor, Town of Ocean Breeze
Nick Pachota, Mayor, City of Venice
Lois Paritsky, Mayor, Town of Ponce Inlet
Bill Partington, Mayor, City of Ormond Beach
Tyler Payne, Former Mayor, City of Treasure Island
Trish Pfeiffer, Mayor, City of Bartow
Stephen Phrampus, Councilmember, City of West Melbourne
Edward Potts, Vice Mayor, City of Alachua
Karen Rafferty, Vice Mayor, City of Belleair Bluffs
Thomas B. Reid, Commissioner, City of South Pasadena
Betty Resch, Mayor, City of Lake Worth Beach
Mary Richardson, Commissioner, Town of Dundee
Evelyn Riley-Goldwire, Commissioner, City of Gretna
Cal Rolfson, Councilmember, City of Mount Dora
Greg Ross, Former Mayor, City of Cooper City
Dan Saracki, Mayor, City of Oldsmar
William G. Schaetzle, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Niceville
Thomas E. Shelly, Deputy Mayor, Town of Belleair
Nancy Sikes-Kline, Mayor, City of St. Augustine
Joshua Simmons, Commissioner, City of Coral Springs
Joanne Simone, Commissioner, City of Margate
Fortuna Smukler, Commissioner, City of North Miami Beach
Bill Steinke, Councilmember, City of Cape Coral
Sarah Stoeckel, Councilmember, City of Titusville
April Sutton, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Mary Esther
Monique Taylor, Councilwoman, City of Waldo
Dorothea Taylor Bogert, Mayor, City of Auburndale
Judith Thomas, Commissioner, Town of Lake Park
Alex S. Tiamson, Vice Mayor, City of Orange City
Kathy Washington, Councilwoman, Town of Welaka
Teresa Watkins Brown, Councilwoman, City of Fort Myers
Judy Wertz-Strickland, Councilmember, City of Arcadia
J.B. Whitten, Mayor, City of Crestview
Marc Wigder, Councilmember, City of Boca Raton
Don Willis, Council Member, City of Cape Canaveral
Brandon L. Young, Councilman, City of South Daytona
Certificate of LEADERSHIP
Joseph Barkley III, Commissioner, City of Belleair Bluffs
Nathan Blackwell, Mayor, City of St. Cloud
Rodney A. Cannon, Mayor, Town of Zolfo Springs
Joy Carter, Former Commissioner, City of Coral Springs
Christopher M. Cloudman, Mayor, City of DeLand
Roberta Correa, Mayor, City of Palatka
Dennis Dawson, Councilmember, City of Mount Dora
Debbie Dolbow, Councilwoman, City of Edgewater
Yvette Drucker, Deputy Mayor, City of Boca Raton
Randy Foster, Former Councilmember, City of Palm Bay
Mark Franks, Mayor, Town of Shalimar
Joshua D. Fuller, Mayor, Town of Bay Harbor Islands
Arnold S. Gaines, Commissioner, City of Fort Pierce
Stuart Glass, Deputy Mayor, Town of Indialantic
Bertram Goddard, Commissioner, Town of Dundee
Michael Hudak, Commissioner, City of Deerfield Beach
Willie Jones, Commissioner, City of Palatka
Karen Lythgoe, Mayor, Town of Lantana
Valli Perrine, Commissioner, City of New Smyrna Beach
Albert L. Polk IV, Commissioner, City of South Bay
Jessica Ring, Commissioner, City of Atlantic Beach
Treva Roberts, Mayor Pro Tem, Town of Lady Lake
Arlene Schwartz, Vice Mayor, City of Margate
Latisha “Trish” Springer, Councilor, City of Seminole
Mary Beth Taylor, Commissioner, Town of Lake Park
Debbie Trice, Commissioner, City of Sarasota
Chevella Young, Councilmember, City of Lake City
The Program offers three certificate levels:
▸ Level One for 10 points is the Bronze Certificate of Merit
▸ Level Two for 20 points is the Silver Certificate of Leadership
▸ Level Three for 30 points is the Gold Certificate of Excellence
The certificate program runs for one year, from July to July. Officials earn points for participating in FLC training events. These events include live or recorded monthly webinars, Online Orientation for Newly Elected Officials, the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO I and II), the Online Advocacy Course, the State-Mandated Four-Hour Ethics training and the League’s Annual Conference and legislative events.
▾ Carolyn Cassidy, Commissioner, Town of Ocean Ridge, received her Gold Certificate of Excellence at the 2024 FLC Annual Conference.
Katie Abbott, Councilmember, Village of Pinecrest
Keith W. Babb Jr., Mayor, City of Pahokee
Ed Book, Commissioner, City of Gainesville
Sandra L. Bradbury, Mayor, City of Pinellas Park
Michael Cadore, Councilman, City of Rockledge
James Carter, Council Member, City of Lake City
Joy F. Cooper, Mayor, City of Hallandale Beach
Alison Dennington, Mayor, Town of Melbourne Beach
Bridget Foster, Vice Mayor, Town of Melbourne Village
Brian Grainger, Commissioner, City of Panama City
Ronte R. Harris, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Quincy
Pamn Henderson, Mayor, City of Callaway
Lisa Hendrickson, Mayor, Town of Redington Shores
David Henson, Mayor, City of Casselberry
Richard Dallis Hunter, Councilman, Town of Hilliard
Ricky Jernigan, Councilmember, City of Lake City
Jason Jones, Commissioner, City of Plant City
Aimee Kelley, Vice Mayor, City of Boynton Beach
Mimi May, Commissioner, City of Lake Worth Beach
Clara Murvin, Vice Mayor, City of Pahokee
Jim Pappalardo, Council Member, City of DeBary
Arthur Penny, Mayor, City of South Pasadena
Chelsea Reed, Mayor, City of Palm Beach Gardens
Kevin Reid, Commissioner, City of DeLand
Jan Rodusky, Councilwoman, Village of Royal Palm Beach
Alexander Smith, Commissioner, City of Apopka
Suzy S. Sofer, Commissioner, City of Belleair Bluffs
Douglas Stauffer, Councilmember, City of Niceville
Robyn Still, Mayor, City of Marathon
Fabiola Stuyvesant, Commissioner, City of Sunny Isles Beach
Lynda Thompson, Commissioner, City of South Pasadena
Chris Via, Mayor, City of Holly Hill
David A. Vigliotti, Councilman, City of Satellite Beach
Otis T. Wallace, Mayor, City of Florida City
Skip White, Councilmember, Town of Ponce Inlet
Delarian Wiggins, Councilmember, City of Pensacola
Janet Wilson, Commissioner, City of Indian Rocks Beach
HOW DOES IT WORK?
▸ Sign up: To participate, city officials sign up online each year using the FLC event registration system, at no cost, to pursue or renew certificates. You must register each year to earn your annual points.
▸ Attend training events: League staff tracks each member’s cumulative points through event registrations in our membership database. Awards are accumulated each year from July to July.
▸ Track your progress: FLC staff provide a mid-year status report to participating members.
▸ Celebrate your achievement: Each year, certificate recipients receive a press release for their use and recognition in Quality Cities magazine. (See pages 50-52.) Certificate recipients at all levels also are featured at the FLC Annual Conference.
For more information on the Program, visit flcities.com/certificate. To read about personal experiences with the certificate program, go to bit.ly/3LerMWP . For questions, contact Christen Barton at cbarton@flcities.com or 407.367.3443. QC
Certificate of MERIT
▴ Joy F. Cooper, Mayor, City of Hallandale Beach, received her Bronze Certificate of Merit at the 2024 FLC Annual Conference.
•
On the Case
Update on FLC ‘friend of the court’ briefs for cities
By Eric Hartwell Florida League of Cities
The Florida League of Cities Legal Department provides a wide array of legal services to the League and its members. These services are designed to ensure that Florida’s cities remain apprised of legal matters affecting their operations and that municipal interests are advanced at the various levels of government.
In addition to general “in-house” legal services, the Department provides counsel on the development and effect of proposed legislation, files original court and administrative actions on behalf of municipalities and files amicus curiae – “friend of the court” – briefs in the state and federal appellate courts. Legal staff members can also consult with Florida’s city attorneys on legal problems facing their particular municipalities.
The League is involved as an amicus curiae in five cases. As an amicus curiae, the League is not a named party to the particular matter. Instead, the League’s role is to provide a court with a perspective on how its decision in a case may have a statewide impact. A summary of the five cases is provided below. At the time of publishing, all of the cases are pending, which means the particular court has not yet decided the matter.
FEDERAL 11TH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS CASE
McDonough v. City of Homestead, et al. (11th Circuit Court of Appeals)
The 11th Circuit decided to hear this case “en banc,” which means all the judges sitting on the 11th Circuit would consider and rule on this matter. This case relates to the First Amendment and addresses two questions: what kind of public forum is a city council meeting, and what legal test applies to “speech” restrictions within that kind of public forum.
The League’s brief argued that city council meetings are “limited public forums” and that regulations on speech are permitted as long as the regulations are reasonable and viewpoint-neutral. These types of regulations enable city councils to conduct business in an orderly and efficient manner without irrelevant debate and disruptive behavior. The 11th Circuit held the following:
▸ While facts must be considered in each case, most city council meetings will likely constitute limited public forums, and the city council meeting in this case constituted a limited public forum under the facts presented.
▸ Government restrictions on speech in a limited public forum must not discriminate against speech on the basis of viewpoint and must be reasonable in light of the purpose served by the forum.
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT CASES
City of Gulf Breeze v. Brown
In this case, the First District Court of Appeals (DCA) determined that city-owned property (a golf course and other buildings) operated under a management agreement with a private company is subject to ad valorem (property) taxes. The First DCA certified this matter to the Florida Supreme Court as a question of great public importance. The League’s brief at the Supreme Court supports the City’s position that no taxes should be imposed. This case is still pending at the Supreme Court.
Testa
v. Town of Jupiter Island
In this case, the Town delayed taking action on a proposed ordinance until the next scheduled town meeting. The Town made no changes to the ordinance and took action at the next meeting. Testa challenged the action because the Town did not readvertise the ordinance. The trial court determined the Town provided proper notice under
state law of the ordinance adoption. The League filed a brief with the Fourth DCA in support of the Town. The Fourth DCA found the Town did not follow the proper ordinance adoption procedure and determined the ordinance was void. However, the Fourth DCA did certify this matter to the Florida Supreme Court for further review as a matter of great public importance. Although the Florida Supreme Court declined to review the case, the Florida Legislature passed a law during the 2023 Legislative Session to clarify that the action taken by the Town in adopting the ordinance was proper and consistent with the law.
DCA CASES
City of Tampa v. Liberty Hospitality Mgmt., LLC, 2D2024-2082
An applicant for a rezoning challenged the City of Tampa’s denial of the rezoning by filing a petition for writ of certiorari with the appropriate circuit court. The circuit court determined it lacked certiorari jurisdiction to review the decision because it concluded the City’s elected council is a “legislative branch” of municipal government and lacked authority to act in a quasi-judicial capacity. The City and the applicant appealed the decision to the Second DCA. The League has filed a motion to appear as amicus curiae in the appeal and, if the motion is granted, will argue that circuit courts have certiorari jurisdiction to review local government quasi-judicial rezoning decisions.
City of Hallandale Beach v. Rosemond (Florida’s Fourth DCA)
The trial court granted non-economic compensatory damages to a city employee who brought an action under the Florida Public Whistleblower Act. The League’s brief argues these damages are not specifically provided for under the law and should not have been awarded.
On June 5, 2024, the Fourth DCA issued an opinion in favor of the City without addressing the issue of compensatory damages briefed by the League. Rosemond subsequently requested the Fourth DCA to rehear the case or to certify the case for review by the Florida Supreme Court, so the case remains pending.
Hillsborough County Aviation Authority v. Bob Henriquez (Florida’s Second DCA)
In this case, the property appraiser imposed property taxes on property owned by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (similar to a city owning the property) and used by lessees to
provide services at the airport. The League’s brief informed the court that in the context of governmental property, there is a legal presumption against imposing taxes on governmental property (as that would result in a government taxing another government, which under tax law theory should be avoided). The Second DCA determined the properties serve a governmental purpose and are not subject to property taxes. However, the Second DCA did certify this matter to the Florida Supreme Court as a question of great public importance. The Supreme Court has not yet decided if it will hear the case.
The League will provide periodic updates on the resolution of these cases and other court activities it undertakes.
Eric Hartwell is General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer for the Florida League of Cities. QC
Municipal Home Rule Resource
The Florida League of Cities (FLC) has developed a document listing express legislative preemptions of municipal Home Rule powers. The document is intended to be a working document and serve as a resource for identifying express preemptions. The current version has been updated to include preemptions passed during the 2024 Legislative Session. The document has been widely distributed to municipal attorneys.
If you would like to receive the Express Preemptions document or additional information on any of the League’s legal activities, please contact the League’s Legal Department at 850.222.9684.
Florida Cities Celebrate
A NNIVERSARIES
The Florida League of Cities sends congratulations to the following cities and towns that are celebrating important milestone anniversaries in 2024:
League’s PSA Campaign Wins Three Awards
The Florida League of Cities Quality of Life PSA Campaign has won three awards.
To recognize all the excellent services that Florida cities provide, the League created a series of public service announcements (PSAs) highlighting the variety of services offered by cities of all sizes across Florida.
The Campaign won an ADDY award from the American Advertising Federation
The PSAs were viewed across social media platforms.
Facebook – More than 1.3 million impressions
Instagram – More than 1.1 million impressions
YouTube – More than 1.1 million impressions
Over-the-Top Advertising (streaming services) –
More than 213,000 impressions
“This achievement speaks volumes about the creativity and dedication that everyone involved invested,” said Jenna Tala, Chief of Strategy and External Affairs at the League. “We’re proud that the series showcased our innovative approach to raise awareness about important municipal government services.”
The Campaign was also named a winner of The Telly Awards, featured in the Government Relations – Branded Content category.
The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens. Established in 1979, The Telly Awards receives entries from all states and five continents. Entrants are judged by over 200 leading experts, including advertising agencies, production companies and major television networks. The winners were selected from more than 13,000 entries.
The Campaign also won an honorable mention in the PRNews Platinum Awards in the Community Relations category.
To view the PSA campaign, which municipalities can share, go to psa.flcities.com QC
Lynn Tipton: Civics Proponent, Leader and Home Rule Advocate
By Joy Dickinson Florida League of Cities
Lynn Tipton, Director of FLC University at the Florida League of Cities (FLC), is a born leader and teacher. In just the second grade, Lynn gave her first speech and ran for class office, as she was already seeking opportunities to make a difference.
Lynn took on leadership positions in high school and at James Madison University. Despite facing challenges as a child, including a stutter and a lisp, she excelled in communications and was nationally ranked in college for impromptu speaking. Lynn began to venture into the political realm when she and the James Madison president lobbied for state funds.
She secured an internship with the City of Port Orange City Manager. After an early stint working for the U.S. Senate, she knew she belonged at the local level where she “could make the most difference.” Lynn went to work for the City of Tallahassee as a Management and Budget Analyst. She jokes that local government is in her DNA. Lynn is the daughter of a city manager and sister to a county and city manager.
Since 1991, Lynn has been an employee of the League. Lynn has directed the design and implementation of all FLC classes, workshops, webinars and other training for years. She works with communities on municipal incorporation.
“Community leaders know they want more local authority and don’t know how to achieve cityhood, and we help them understand the process,” Lynn said. “Whether they form a city or not, all of these communities receive a thorough civics education, so it is always a positive experience.”
Her passion for civics education was sparked early. In California, where she grew up, Lynn’s grade school taught civics. It all started in third grade on the school sidewalk. “We stood with city staff and talked about what we saw, heard and could touch, and the discussion continued to streets, garbage pickup, fire and police,” Lynn said. “I was so impressed with this learning experience and thought every American received the same!”
Civics education has been a key piece of her work at the League, where she educates staff and city leaders about local self-government. She also helped create a student curriculum for the Florida Department of Education
“I joke that I can provide a ‘painless civics lesson’ anywhere, anytime. Just give me the audience,” Lynn said. “Seeing the lightbulbs of understanding go off in people’s faces is rewarding and usually leads to ‘I never knew this’ comments, and that makes me want to reach an even broader audience.”
Lynn believes civics education is critical for consumers and voters. Most consumers have little or no education about the local level of government. After all, it’s the local level that impacts Floridians the most year-round, as Lynn pointed out.
“The public consumes all levels of government each day – from sidewalks to water systems, from police patrols and fire prevention to parks, from kindergarten to interstate highways, yet rarely stops to think about the government providing these vital public services,” she said.
The fight for Home Rule, or local self-government, is another of Lynn’s passions. Home Rule has been a part of the Florida Constitution since the 1970s. Before that time, Florida residents were under “Dillon’s Rule,” which meant local government could pass laws only when approved by the state. In some states without Home Rule, local leaders wait three to five years to get permission to make changes.
It’s like a game of Simon Says, where you can’t move until you’re given permission, Lynn said. “Being able to give Dillon’s Rule examples has always been an effective way for me to help people understand what it was like prior to Home Rule – and what it might be like if the Legislature erodes more of local decision-making,” she said.
According to Lynn, there is a steep learning curve in Florida. “Just over 1,000 people are moving to Florida each day, and we turn over 700 municipal officials each year in elections,” she said.
Lynn says she will be a Home Rule advocate forever, even after she retires. Being at the League for over three decades has been a “blessing.”
“Representing the finest municipal association at the international, federal, state and local levels has been an honor,” she said. “Cities and city leaders are the lifeblood of Florida’s communities, and that lifeblood is my life’s blood, so to speak. I’ll always believe in, support and feel a part of the League.” (For a timeline of Lynn's experience with civics education, go to bit.ly/4frfyHu.)
The League showed its recognition of Lynn's outstanding work by naming her the 2024 Employee of the Year.
Joy Dickinson is Senior Editor at the Florida League of Cities. QC
Civics Education Resources
Updated civics education resources tailored for adults, youth and children are available from the Florida League of Cities.
These resources are designed for municipal elected officials and staff to help residents understand municipal governance and encourage informed and active participation in your communities. Resources are available for the following groups:
▸ Adults
▸ Ninth to 12th grade students
▸ Sixth to eighth grade students
▸ Third to fifth grade students
▸ Pre-K to second grade students
These tools can be invaluable in promoting civics education and encouraging citizens to take an active role in their local government and community affairs. To explore and use these resources, visit the dedicated civics education webpage at flcities.com/civics-education. For more information, contact Eryn Russell, Member Services Administrator, at erussell@flcities.com (For civics education tips, go to bit.ly/3Ckgu1J.)
FLC Empowering Elected Officials With Advanced Training, Networking
The Florida League of Cities (FLC) continues to set the standard for leadership development among municipal officials with the FLC Leadership course. Reserved for graduates of the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials II program, FLC Leadership offers a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership skills through presentations by expert speakers, group problem-solving activities and meaningful dialogue with fellow local leaders.
By Erika Branchcomb Florida League of Cities
The first FLC Leadership Class, which had 62 attendees, took place earlier this year in Lake Buena Vista . The event began with a warm welcome from Past FLC President Greg Ross, who was also part of the inaugural class. The agenda was designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
The morning session, led by Steven J. Vancore of VancoreJones Communications, focused on “Communication Fundamentals for Municipal Leaders.” Participants learned techniques to improve their public speaking, active listening and conflict resolution abilities, which are crucial for effective governance.
CITY LEADERS
Scott Paine, Professor Emeritus, FLC University, speaks to participants in the FLC Leadership course.
The afternoon featured a luncheon and keynote address by J. Lenora Bresler, a renowned leadership transformation expert. Her presentation, “The Art of Persuasion,” provided valuable insights into communication strategies. Bresler’s engaging delivery and practical advice left a lasting impression on the attendees, who were eager to apply these new techniques in their roles as municipal leaders.
Following a brief break, the participants engaged in a “Municipal Mindstorm” group activity facilitated by Scott Paine, Professor Emeritus for FLC University. This interactive session encouraged collaboration and innovative thinking, allowing attendees to brainstorm solutions to common municipal challenges. The group activity not only fostered a sense of camaraderie among the participants but also provided a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices.
The session concluded with closing remarks and a reflection on the day’s learning experiences. Attendees left the
event feeling inspired and equipped with new tools to enhance their leadership capabilities.
The FLC Leadership course is a vital resource for Florida’s elected municipal officials and offers valuable training and networking opportunities not available elsewhere. The League will continue to offer this course. No two classes will be the same, so it can be repeated.
Visit flcities.com to view the calendar of upcoming events and learn more about educational offerings, conferences and webinars.
Erika Branchcomb is the Senior Communications Specialist at the Florida League of Cities. QC
The testimonials from past participants highlight the impact of the FLC Leadership course.
“I am a much better elected official because I have taken advantage of the many training opportunities offered through FLC. The Florida League of Cities is my go-to organization for direction and clarity of information regarding the needs of my city.”
– Councilmember Teresa Watkins Brown, City of Fort Myers
“The only thing more invaluable than the information at FLC Leadership is the networking opportunities with other cities you may not have originally thought to meet with and exchange ideas.”
– Councilwoman Charlotte Gillis, City of Edgewater
Resource for Elected Officials: Best Practices for Natural Disasters
The Florida League of Cities has introduced a comprehensive guide designed specifically for elected officials that provides practical strategies and actionable steps in the event of a natural disaster. A powerful hurricane, an uncontrolled wildfire, an unexpected flood, a devastating tornado. These are the kinds of events that every public official dreads.
Municipalities work hard to minimize their exposure to these events. But the fact remains that the best planning and the most conscientious attention to public safety cannot guarantee that a municipality will weather such events without significant physical damage, major disruption to services and/or human trauma.
In a unique way, these events tax the skills and knowledge of elected municipal officials. The nature of the challenge varies with the form of municipal government, the character of the community and the nature of the event. Much, if not all, of the operational leadership for dealing with a potential natural disaster will come from professional staff in most municipalities.
Many of the same staff members who manage smaller-scale emergency events transition into incident management leadership roles for larger-scale incidents. Those staff members can include a City Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief or Public Works Director, depending on the community and type of event. Still, elected municipal officials instinctively know that they, too, have a part to play as their communities experience emergencies. That part, however, is not always obvious. That’s the reason for this guide.
“Best Practices for Natural Disasters: A Guide for Elected Officials” takes elected officials step-by-step before, during and immediately after a disaster, as well as recovery. Key sections include:
▸ Preparing for a Natural Disaster. This section includes guidance on how to be prepared long before an emergency and in the days leading up to it, if advance warning is given.
▸ Managing During a Storm. This area of the guide includes best practices for communication, coordination and immediate response measures as it pertains to the role of an elected official.
▸ Recovering After a Storm. Learn steps for effective recovery planning, community support and long-term rebuilding efforts as elected officials.
▸ Understanding Your Role. Each Florida municipality is structured in a distinctive way. Elected officials are advised to become familiar with how their municipal charter and policies define their role. Especially in an emergency, officials should stay within the boundaries of their role.
The observations and recommendations included in the guide were gathered from elected municipal officials, city managers and municipal communicators. The new resource is available at bit.ly/4epdfDs. QC
FMIT Provides Disaster Recovery and More
The Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT), governed by elected officials, provides property, liability, workers’ compensation and health coverage to its members.
The FMIT is a local government risk-sharing pool. It provides insurance services for more than 450 public entities in Florida, of which over 240 are municipalities. The Florida League of Cities is the administrator of the FMIT. The League administers every facet of the FMIT’s operations, from claims handling to rate development to risk and safety management.
The FMIT best-in-class Disaster Preparedness, Response and TurnKey Recovery℠ Managed Direct Repair Program, provided as part of the FMIT’s property insurance coverage, assists members during their most vulnerable moments through expedited mitigation and recovery services that reduce millions of dollars of out-of-pocket costs.
From fires to floods to hurricanes, the FMIT helps members return to normal in record time. Its experience and technology provide:
▸ Critical incident communications, both preand post-event
▸ Rapid damage assessments immediately after a catastrophe
▸ Building stabilization services that maintain operations and reduce claim costs
With the property coverage provisions, the FMIT’s disaster response and recovery program provides for the deployment of resources such as emergency generators, fuel, temporary lighting, portable buildings and support facilities, and emergency communications support. For more information, go to insurance.flcities.com and see the video at bit.ly/3WtQ7yf
QC SPOTLIGHT
EMPLOYEE PROFILE
Stephenie Reynolds: Compassionate And Fun
Stephenie Reynolds , Workers’ Compensation Technical Specialist at the Florida League of Cities, is known for her compassion in situations that range from helping a stranded co-worker to lending an extra hand to people in her department.
Whether it’s adopting BB, her rescue dog, or taking time to explain how to handle a file, “you can tell Stephenie cares,” said Matt Norris, Workers’ Compensation Claims Supervisor, who has worked with Stephenie for 12 years.
Matt experienced her caring nature firsthand this year when he was traveling home from vacation with his family and his truck broke down. “Stephenie and her husband drove out of their way to pick us up and take us to get a rental car,” he said. “I didn’t ask. She saw the opportunity to help and offered.”
Her co-worker Donna Lea, Lost Time Claims Adjuster, has also experienced Stephenie’s compassion. “From the first day I met Stephenie, new on the job, she was welcoming, engaging and helpful,” Donna said. “That is important when you are new to a work environment. I appreciate her immensely!”
Karen Todd, Lost Time Claims Adjuster, said, “She is always available to help those who may need it and does it with a smile, and I guarantee she will make you laugh while doing it.” One of the best things about working with Stephenie is “the constant comedy and laughs,” Karen said. “She has such a quick wit, great memory and makes me laugh every day.” Donna calls Stephenie's laugh “infectious.”
Stephenie, 65, started working at the League as a medical only adjuster. She’s been a Workers’ Compensation Technical Specialist since 2017. Stephenie handles state filings and assists the adjusters. She also prepares Medicare claims.
She particularly enjoyed helping her team test a new computer system, and now the League has “a much better and user-friendly system.”
In her free time, Stephenie enjoys exploring the mountains and waterfalls in the foothills of North Carolina with her husband, George. “I’m pretty much a homebody and enjoy cooking, taking care of my dog and spending time with my husband,” she said.
Stephenie looks forward to visiting her family. Her daughter, Chrissy, is married to Trevor, and they have given Stephenie a “wonderful” grandson, Aiden. QC
