Article and pictures by Larry Oskin/Michelle Delaney
Alan Rosen, the recently hired Lake Couty Manager, was the guest speaker at June’s South Lake Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Rosen has a great sense of humor, quick wit, and an informal yet informative way of speaking in front of large groups. He provided attendees with an entertaining presentation on what’s happening in Lake County.
Alan Rosen graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Local Government Management.
He began his work in public service in 2005, supporting the Broward County Florida Board of County Commissioners with budget and management analysis. He also served as a financial systems manager for Fulton County, Georgia and oversaw the annual budget for Washoe County, Nevada.
Prior to joining Lake County as the County Manager, Alan served the citizens of Port Orange for six years, first as the interim assistant city manager, then assistant city manager and finally as the interim city manager.
“My top priorities as Lake County Manager are to implement the vision of the Lake County Board of County Commissioner”, said Rosen. ” I am also passionate about customer service, efficiency, and effectiveness. I want to do whatever I can to completely support local Lake County businesses and organizations. These are things I would like to make a priority.”
He adds, “I want to help the County keep pace with the tremendous growth we have in Lake County, while making sure we have the services to cover the influx of new businesses and residents.” His goals include trying to keep taxes low, while transitioning to the $15 per hour minimum wage over the next 5 years. He is very excited about the addition of Kroger and Amazon in Groveland and plans to support their growth here in South Lake County.
Rosen has a strong interest in south Lake County’s development including roads, highways and traffic. He is already working on Wellness Way development, County Road 455 extension, the Hancock Road extension and the CFX connection between Highway 429 and State Route 27.
Lake County maintains 1,252 miles of paved roadways as well as 144 miles of clay, concrete, and gravel roads. The cost of resurfacing 1 paved mile of road averages $110,000. The County currently allocates about $2 million in sales tax funding annually to resurface roads which allow for about 18 miles a year to be resurfaced.
The South Lake Regional Park is another exciting addition coming to south Lake. The 141 acre site is south of State Road 50 on Max Hooks Road. The master plan includes for 8 softball fields, 4 youth and 2 adult baseball fields, 8 multipurpose fields, 3 basketball courts, 4 pickleball and tennis courts, 2 cricket fields, volleyball courts. Plans also include a multi-use trail and trailhead, canoe launch and fishing pier, boardwalk and nature trail, playgrounds and pavilions, dog park, restrooms and concessions. This park has been on the drawing board for years but seems to be moving along.
Rosen and his family enjoy living in south Lake County. He said they enjoy picking blueberries and eating the fresh citrus and peaches offered at the farmers’ markets and outdoor festivals. He proudly describes his wife, son and himself as having Black Belts in Songahm Taekwondo and proudly states he was the Florida State Champion in Sparring and Forms in 2020.
For more information on Lake County Florida, contact Mr. Alan Rosen, County Manager, PO Box 7800 / 315 West Main Street, Suite 308, Taveras, FL 32778-7800. 352-343-9888. Email: ARosen@LakeCountyFL.gov. Visit: www.LakeCountyFL.gov.
