by Marty Proctor
Coffee and Conversations (C&C) is an opportunity to speak one on one with your elected representatives. Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks hosted a recent C&C on Thursday, August 29, at the new Mountaineer Coffee inside the Citrus Tower in Clermont. The special guest was the Honorable Ross Spano, member of the United States House of Representatives who represents central Florida including Clermont and Groveland.
Prior to the discussions, Commissioner Parks introduced US FL Rep Spano to the citizens. Mr. Spano followed with a 3-minute summary of his family history including his wife Amy of 28 years and their 4 children and 2 new grandchildren. He shared his priorities in protecting the Green Swamp and other water resources, growth management, and local road improvement.
The majority of the time was spent with citizens having direct access to their elected leaders. A line formed to speak to Commissioner Parks and Rep. Spano but no one was short-changed. Each constituent had an open-ended opportunity to communicate their concerns, important issues, or specific needs.
Scott and Heather Homan, owners of the Citrus Tower, provided the meeting place. The new Mountaineer Coffee shop was a great meeting spot with plenty of open space and air conditioning. The Citrus Tower also houses the Tower Arcade and Lounge and is looking for a full-service restaurant to occupy an open ground floor space. US Rep. Spano was even treated to a ride to the top of the Citrus Tower which provides guests a one of a kind view of the Central Florida landscape.
Beside Commissioner Parks and the Honorable Mr. Spano, Evelyn Wilson mayor of Groveland, Lake County Appraiser Carey Baker, Clermont Chief of Police Broadway and other elected and constitutional officers were available for one-on-one talks.
These Coffee & Conversation events are scheduled regularly throughout the county. This is the typical format with little structured speaking and a focus on direct, one-on-one communication.
For more information on future events, contact Commissioner Sean Parks. Info is also at the South Lake Tablet or Lake County Florida on FaceBook.
Marty Proctor is a writer for the South Lake Tablet covering Groveland and the surrounding area.
His primary interests are the local impact of city and county government, local growth management, tracking area charitable groups and sharing factual information.
Marty is a long-time resident on Lake Emma north of Groveland, doing public information consulting, social media marketing and freelance writing as well as fishing, bowling, and caring for wife Julie and dachshund Georgia.
