Leesburg, Eustis keep leaders and appoint new officials

Leesburg and Eustis' governing bodies are going to look pretty much the same in 2024 with some notable exceptions.Commissioner Michael Holland will serve another year as the mayor of Eustis, and Commissioner Emily Lee will serve again as vice mayor following their election last Thursday.

In Leesburg, City Commissioner Mike Pederson nominated Mayor Jimmy Burry to continue another year, and there was no objection from the City Commission.

"I feel very fortunate to have worked with some classy people this year," said Burry.

Burry mentioned the recent "State of Leesburg" promotional video by LakeFront TV. He joked about the "cheesy bad acting" in the video, but praised it for showing how the city got "a lot accomplished" in 2023.

City Manager Al Minner presented Burry with a plaque recognizing his "leadership and dedicated public service as mayor of 2023."

Appointees to various committees were announced at the Jan. 8 meeting. Read the full rundown on the city commission's meetings portal at leesburgfl.portal.civicclerk.com.

With noticeably active arts leaders such as Richard Colvin, who heads up the Leesburg Center for the Arts, and Semeion Richardson, CEO and founder of Artist with a Purpose, serving in arts advisory capacities, there may be some hope for elevating the city's arts presence and overall aesthetic distinction in the coming year. The arts have been statistically linked to increased revenue for downtown businesses across the U.S.

Commissioner Berry recommended appointees for two CRA (community redevelopment agency) boards in Montclair-Culver Heights. "I'm excited to make the first recommendations," Berry said. "Within District 1, we have two District CRA boards for this and presents us with the unique opportunity to engage and empower enthusiastic, interested and highly qualified individuals who are eager to lead and contribute to their respective communities. ... I recommend Miss Teresa Connor and Mr. Robert Alderman."

In his speech to the commission, Alderman stated his objectives, including creating outlets for the elderly and collaboration to prevent a scarcity of events and things to do in neighborhoods, which he warned leads to trouble.

When Connor spoke to the board, she stressed her continued community involvement, her family's involvement — her father, Abraham Connor, "built this building here." Connor also mentioned her professional experience as a nurse to assess what's needed and what needs improvement and fundraising successes. She also talked about the need to offer daytime activities to the elderly, an Uber-type service for transportation and youth involvement in neighborhood amenities.

Both Connor and Alderman were unanimously approved.

Each January, the Eustis City Commission votes to appoint the city leadership for the coming year, and 2024 marks the sixth year that Holland has held the position, with Lee serving for her fifth year. The commission also appointed representatives to boards and committees for 2024.

Mayor Holland has served for more than 13 years on the Eustis City Commission, and is currently president of the Lake County League of Cities. He also will serve on the city’s audit committee.

On the horizon: Where to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Vice Mayor Lee is serving her sixth year on the commission and will serve on the America in Bloom Committee for a second year, and is an alternate to Mayor Holland on the Lake League of Cities.

Commissioner Nan Cobb, who recently announced her candidacy for Florida House District 26, will serve as an alternate to the America in Bloom Committee, and was reappointed to the Lake County Arts and Cultural Alliance Committee, with Pam Rivas as the alternate. She will also serve as the alternate on the Open Door, Ocklawaha Basic Working Group and Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization Governing Board.

Commissioner Willie Hawkins was reappointed to serve on the Lake Community Action Agency Board of Directors and the Lake County Educational Concurrency Review Committee.

Commissioner Gary Ashcraft was reappointed to the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization Governing Board and Open Door.

City Manager Tom Carrino will continue to serve on the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce Board.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Leesburg Mayor Burry stays "classy," Eustis' mayor to remain in office