The Florida League of Cities’ Home Rule Hero Awards for 2017 went to elected officials across Tampa Bay.

TAMPA BAY – Seven elected and appointed officials from cities around Tampa Bay were honored by the Florida League of Cities as recipients of 2017 Home Rule Hero Awards.

These local government officials earned this prestigious recognition for their tireless efforts to advance the League’s legislative agenda and help protect the home rule authority of Florida’s cities during the 2017 regular legislative session.

“Our Home Rule Heroes are shining examples of local advocacy in action,” said Boca Raton Mayor and League President Susan Haynie. “These dedicated municipal officials take time out of their busy schedules to cultivate relationships with their legislators and help them understand the issues that are most important to their constituents back home. The Florida League of Cities is proud to recognize them and say thank you for all they do to help protect home rule and preserve the quality of life in their cities.”

Home rule is the authority for a city to establish its own form of government and enact ordinances, codes, plans, and resolutions without prior state approval. Recipients of the Home Rule Hero Award are local government officials – both elected and non-elected – who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective to an issue.

The Tampa Bay honorees: Commissioner Thomas Shelly, Belleair;  City Clerk Debra Sullivan, Belleair Bluffs; Council member Bill Jonson, Clearwater; Vice Mayor Jamie Robinson, Largo; City Attorney Kenneth Buchman, Plant City; Mayor Leslie Waters, Seminole; and Council Chair Michael Suarez, Tampa.

Photo courtesy of the Florida League of Cities.

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