I was honored to be selected as Mayor for this term. It has been a whirlwind year – I took office as a councilman in December, was elected Vice Mayor in July, and then Mayor in December. It’s quite something to have 3 different business cards in one year! Regarding my goals, for several years, I have wanted to see the 2nd floors of downtown businesses utilized (possibly as residences) because I am convinced that evening foot traffic will make all the difference to our downtown business vitality. We are currently in the process of developing our application for Florida Main Street Program. They have successfully navigated issues (like our 2nd floors) in historic communities across the state and I believe will give us the assistance we need to make it happen.
I also want to see some additions to our Parks offerings. Hernando County does not currently offer a splash park and I know lots of mommas who travel regularly to spend time at those parks. I would also like to see us offer a membership dog park (at a minimum cost but will ensure that dogs have their shots and are friendly) and a skate park that would be more easily accessible to our kids than the one in Spring Hill.
Finally, I would like to see us develop into a more walkable and bike friendly city. We are especially in need of sidewalks near school zones since the elimination of courtesy bussing (within two miles of schools). There are too many children and moms with strollers walking along streets like North Avenue with no safe options. This will require difficult budgetary decisions, but I trust that this Council and this community is up to the task.
I have always said that Brooksville’s greatest asset is the great minds and hearts of its residents. I am inspired weekly by our people and am excited at the chance to harness those energies and ideas so that our city can become even more the jewel that we all know it to be.