January 2024 President’s Message

FCCMA Members, Elections are now open for even-numbered districts. All eligible members should have received an email from their District Election Committees asking for self-nominations. The deadline to submit your application is January 31st. Elections are also open for the Secretary-Treasurer and two At-Large Director positions for full members with three years of membership. The…

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Safety Harbor’s Tool Library

By Lisa Kothe, Director, Safety Harbor Public Library In early 2016, Safety Harbor Library staff saw a need for a tool lending library to provide our community access to tools at no cost. We put a call out, requesting quality, working-condition hand or electric tools. The response was overwhelming. We received donations of post hole…

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In Memoriam of Donald Stilwell

Donald Stilwell, former Lee County manager passed away on December 22, 2023 at the age of 85. He served as Lee County manager for 16 years. Donald received his bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Oregon and a Master of Public Administration from Lewis & Clark College in Portland. He has been a…

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January 2024 New Members

The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Pallavi Awasthi, District V, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, Nova Southeastern University, Affiliate Member; Juana Ayala, District VIII, HR Director/Executive Assistant to the City Manager,…

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Charlotte County Family Services Center

By Laurie Kimball, Human Services Grants Analyst, Charlotte County; Carrie Walsh, Human Services Director, Charlotte County; and Claire Jubb, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte County Earlier this month, staff from our Aging and Adults and Veterans Services divisions of Human Services moved into their new location. This was not just a relocation or a new building…

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Professional Management Matters: Celebrating Longboat Key’s 65th Anniversary

On December 4, 2023,  FCCMA Member Addie Javed presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Town of Longboat Key Commission in celebration of their 65th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right:  Seating – Mayor Ken Schneier and City Manager Howard Tipton. Standing – Vice Mayor Mike Haycock, Commissioner Penny Gold,…

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Meet Howard Tipton, Town Manager, Longboat Key

How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member for over 20 years. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member? I am a member and received my 40-year recognition this year. Please describe your areas of…

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December 2023 New Members

The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Sophia Boyer, District VII, Assistant Fiscal Services Director of Public Safety, Pasco County, Full Member; Matthew Coppler, District VII, City Manager, City of Port Richey,…

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Professional Management Matters: Celebrating Davie’s 40th Anniversary

On Tuesday, November 15, 2023 the Town of Davie was recognized for its 40th Anniversary of the Council-Manager form of government, as a part of the FCCMA Professional Management Matters campaign. Pictured Left to Right: Vice Mayor Susan Starkey (District 3), Councilmember Marlon Luis (District 4), FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, Mayor Judy Paul, Councilmember Michelle…

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November 2023 President’s Message

FCCMA Members, I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by loved ones. As we rush toward the winter holiday season, here are some updates and opportunities I’d like to share: *FCCMA Recognition of Leaders Awards: The FCCMA recognizes exemplary leaders in public administration annually. These individuals are nominated and selected by peers.…

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Harnessing the Power of AI in Local Government: Improving Services and Empowering Communities

By Emily Lewis, Deputy County Administrator, Charlotte County In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force with the potential to revolutionize various sectors. Local governments have begun to recognize the significant benefits that AI can offer. From streamlining administrative processes to enhancing citizen engagement, AI is…

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