Clermont Mayor Tim Murry and City Council Members Bryan Bain and Bill Petersen recently traveled to Tallahassee to meet with state legislators and advocate for local funding priorities. During the visit, they participated in the Florida League of Cities’ Legislative Action Days, which provide opportunities to meet directly with legislators and network with city leaders from across the state.
They were accompanied by Angie Langley, CEO of Langley Consulting Group in Clermont, along with Chris Carmody and Kylee Anzueto of GrayRobinson.
Habitat for Humanity was represented at the Capitol by CEO Danielle Stroud, Board Members Pernell Mitchell and Verna Fitzsimmons, and Habitat homeowner Latoya Sankey, who were joined by consultants Langley, Carmody, and Anzueto in advocating for key legislative priorities:
Youth Construction Academies – Habitat is seeking support for its Youth Construction Academies, which provide construction education, workforce development, and pathways to affordable homeownership. The legislative request is sponsored by State Rep. Taylor Yarkosky and State Sen. Keith Truenow.
Veterans Housing Initiative – Habitat is also seeking support for its Veterans Housing Initiative, which offers critical home repair assistance and homeownership opportunities to low-income veterans. The legislative request is sponsored by State Rep. Nan Cobb and State Sen. Keith Truenow.
This year, Lake officials are working with the lobbying team from Gray Robinson on the following priorities they hope will win legislative approval:
- Neighborhood Lakes Gateway Center. The Center will serve as a dynamic entry point where Orange, Seminole and Lake trail systems converge. The Center will feature a full-service library, concessions, bike repair shop and gathering spaces. Officials are seeking $800,000 to fund design, engineering and permitting.
- Judicial Center Expansion. At least one new circuit judge will be appointed to Lake County, necessitating extra space at the Judicial Center. Officials emphasized improving the connection between the public parking garage and the Judicial Center to promote pedestrian safety. Officials are requesting $1 million for a master site plan and architectural design.
- Lake Commissioners are asking legislators to provide resources to the Department of Transportation for badly needed improvements to the following roads: a) $43.6 million to widen SR 44; b) $28.7 million to widen U.S. Highway 441 near Mount Dora; c) $19.1 million to widen U.S. 441 near Mt. Dora; d) $104.9 million for improvements to SR 19 at Howey-in-the-Hills and e) $20 million to widen Hartwood Marsh Road in Clermont.
Langley emphasized that there is no substitute for face-to-face meetings; stating, “There’s a saying in Tallahassee… “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
