The FLC Annual Conference is an opportunity for municipal officials and senior staff to enhance leadership skills, learn from industry experts, share ideas with peers, discuss strategies for Florida’s future, and hear about the latest in products and services for municipal governments.
The 2025 Annual Conference will be held on August 14-16 at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Learn More
Click here to watch a recording of the Know Before You Go webinar from August 6. View Slides
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Registration Desk Open Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Florida League of Mayors Nominating Committee Meeting Citrus/Collier/Columbia (Lower Level) |
| 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Florida League of Mayors Workshop – Small Shops and Big Brands: A Holistic Approach to Retail Development Floridian Ballroom GHAdditional registration required through the Florida League of Mayors |
| 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Florida League of Mayors Business Meeting Floridian Ballroom KL |
| 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Florida League of Mayors Reception Floridian Ballroom I |
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. | Coffee Service Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Registration Desk and League Lounge Open Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors Meeting Citrus/Collier/Columbia (Lower Level) |
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Continuing Education in Ethics: State-Mandated 4-Hour Ethics Training Floridian Ballroom GH |
| Florida’s municipal elected officers are required to take four specific hours of continuing education in ethics per year. If you haven’t completed your hours yet, this is your opportunity! The four hours include two hours on the Florida Ethics Law (Chapter 112, F.S.), one hour of public meetings (Chapter 286, F.S.) and one hour of public records (Chapter 119, F.S.). | |
| Speaker: Randy D. Mora, Attorney, Trask Daigneault, LLP | |
| NOTE: Space in the room is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. | |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | First-Time Attendee Meet & Greet, Conference Tour, and Exhibit Hall Ribbon Cutting Center Foyer |
| 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open Bonnet Creek Ballroom |
| 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | An Ever-Changing Media Landscape: Meeting the New Challenges of Relating to Your Public Floridian Ballroom KL |
| As the media landscape continues to change and audiences change with it, it has become more difficult to effectively connect with the public you serve. Noted communications expert Steven J. Vancore will examine these changes and offer practical and effective solutions for connecting with your constituents. | |
| Speaker: Steven J. Vancore, President, VancoreJones Communications | |
| 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Sidewalk Café Cash Lunch Sales Bonnet Creek Ballroom |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Joint Legislative Policy Committee Meeting – Advocating for Florida Cities: Communicating the Importance of Property Taxes |
| This joint session is designed to equip municipal officials with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to effectively advocate for the vital role property taxes play in funding essential local services. Tailored for current Legislative Policy Committee members and city officials, this session will explore effective messaging, current policy dynamics, and ways to engage both the public and policymakers in meaningful dialogue. Whether you’re navigating legislative discussions or responding to public concerns, this workshop will help you make the case for protecting one of your city’s most critical revenue sources. | |
| Speakers: Charles T. Chapman, IV, Legislative Consultant, Florida League of Cities; Casey Cook, Chief of Legislative Affairs, Florida League of Cities; and Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, Florida House of Representatives, District 95 | |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | “Cities 101” Workshop |
| New to municipal government? Whether you’re a newly elected official or recently appointed, this introductory workshop is designed just for you. We’ll provide a high-level overview of Florida’s municipalities, the essential services they deliver, and the key challenges local governments face. | |
| Speaker: Chris Holley, Director of Member Services and Training, Florida League of Cities | |
| 2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | “FLC 101” Workshop |
| For over a century, municipalities across Florida have recognized the Florida League of Cites (FLC) as the united voice for Florida’s 411 cities, towns, and villages. Discover how FLC’s programs, uniquely crafted for cities, are tailored to address the specific needs of your municipality. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the full potential of your municipality’s membership! | |
| Speakers: Clay Austin, Director of Insurance Member Services, Florida League of Cities; Chris Holley, Director of Member Services and Training, Florida League of Cities; and Paul Shamoun, Director of Financial Services, Florida League of Cities | |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Refreshment Break Bonnet Creek Ballroom |
| 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | AI in Action: Practical Tools for Smarter Local Government Floridian Ballroom KL |
| Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword – it’s becoming a valuable tool for local government operations. In this session, hear from city officials benefiting from AI in their roles today, including a city manager and city attorney sharing real-world scalable use cases and legal insights. Attendees will leave with practical ideas, cautionary guidance, and a roadmap for exploring AI in their own communities. | |
| Moderator: Emily Colon, Partner, The Southern Group and Former Deputy City Manager, City of Lakeland | |
| Speakers: Frank Martz, City Manager, City of Altamonte Springs; and Randy D. Mora, Partner, Trask Daigneault, LLP | |
| 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | SOLUTION SESSION – Resilient Energy Solutions: Florida’s Natural Gas Advantage Floridian Ballroom GH |
| Discover how local governments are adopting innovative natural gas solutions by modernizing vehicle fleets and converting waste to energy. Learn how these advancements are strengthening resiliency, improving efficiency, and saving energy across Florida. | |
| Moderator: Kandi Floyd, External Affairs Director, TECO Peoples Gas | |
| Speakers: William “Bill” Clark, RNG Business Development Director, TECO Peoples Gas; and Monte Patrick, Business Development Director, TECO Peoples Gas | |
| 3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Florida League of Cities Nominating Committee Meeting Citrus/Collier/Columiba (Lower Level) |
| Chair: Jolien Caraballo, Vice Mayor, City of Port St. Lucie | |
| 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. | Federal Action Strike Team Meeting Waterside Ballroom 8-9 |
| Chair: Greg Langowski, Vice Mayor, City of Westlake | |
| 5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Connect, Collaborate, and Caffeinate: Speed Networking for Elected Officials and Staff Floridian Ballroom I |
| Get ready for a dynamic networking experience! Fuel up with coffee, soda, and a sweet treat as you engage in fun, fast-paced conversations and make meaningful connections with fellow leaders in local government. Don’t forget your business cards! | |
| Facilitators: Eryn Alcorn, Member Services Administrator Florida League of Cities; and Mary Edenfield, Legislative Administrative Supervisor, Florida League of Cities | |
| 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | President’s Welcome Reception Bonnet Creek Ballroom |
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Breakfast Meeting Floridian Ballroom KLAdditional registration required through the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials |
| 7:30 a.m. | Coffee Service Bonnet Creek Ballroom |
| 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Sunrise Yoga Waterside Lanai |
| 7:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open Bonnet Creek Ballroom |
| 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Registration Desk and League Lounge Open Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Veterans of the Dais: Best Practices from Experienced City Leaders Waterside Ballroom 1 |
| Being an elected official isn’t easy – and presiding over public meetings can be even harder. In this candid and engaging panel, veteran city leaders will share personal stories about tough moments at the dais, what they’ve learned over the years, and what advice they’d offer to others serving in public office. | |
| Moderator: Robert R. “Bobby” Green, Executive Director, Ridge League of Cities and Retired City Manager, City of Auburndale | |
| Speakers: Pat Bates, Mayor, City of Altamonte Springs; Scott Black, Mayor, City of Dade City; and Teresa Watkins Brown, Councilwoman, City of Fort Myers | |
| 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Navigating Challenges and Building Effective Board-City Manager Relationships Waterside Ballroom 2 |
| This session will review the city manager’s role as the board’s chief executive and the importance of a productive relationship for effective governance. Learn strategies for conflict resolution, building trust, and managing personality conflicts, as well as the importance of professionalism, open dialogue, and focusing on shared goals. | |
| Moderator: Jolien Caraballo, Vice Mayor, City of Port St. Lucie | |
| Speakers: Shaun Ferguson, Councilman, City of Rockledge; Brenda Fettrow, City Manager, City of Rockledge; Sandy Golding, Councilmember, City of Jacksonville Beach; and Mike Staffopoulos, City Manager, City of Jacksonville Beach | |
| 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | After the Headlines: What Recovery Really Looks Like Waterside Ballroom 3 |
| The cameras leave, but the real work begins. Months after a hurricane passes, communities are still rebuilding, adapting, and learning hard lessons. In this honest, forward-looking discussion, local leaders from some of Florida’s most impacted areas share what recovery truly looks like –beyond the initial response. They will reflect on what surprised them, what they’re still working through, and how their cities are planning smarter for the future. | |
| Moderator: Dylan Rumrell, Mayor, City of St. Augustine Beach | |
| Speakers: BJ Bishop, Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key; Arden Dickey, Commissioner, City of Treasure Island; Ward Ketring, Mayor, City of Perry; and April Thanos, Vice Mayor, City of Gulfport | |
| 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Refreshment Break Bonnet Creek Ballroom |
| 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Opening General Session Floridian Ballroom A-F |
| Presiding: Michael C. Blake, President, Florida League of Cities and Mayor, City of Cocoa | |
| Call to Order | |
| Opening Ceremony | |
| Presentation of Colors: Altamonte Springs Police Department Honor Guard | |
| National Anthem: Dr. Jose Figueroa, Jr. | |
| Invocation: Shaun Ferguson, Councilman, City of Rockledge | |
| Awards and Recognition: Michael C. Blake, President, Florida League of Cities and Mayor, City of Cocoa | |
| Presentation of the E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award | |
| Keynote Presentation: | |
| Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham is one of America’s most prominent public intellectuals. A highly sought-after commentator, Meacham regularly appears on MSNBC, CNN, and other news outlets. A skilled orator with a depth of knowledge about politics, religion, and current affairs, Meacham has the unique ability to bring history to life and offer historical context to current events and issues impacting our daily lives – whether we realize it or not – to audiences of all backgrounds and levels of understanding. | |
| He served as Newsweek’s managing editor from 1998 to 2006 and as editor from 2006 to 2010. | |
| Meacham is the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers. In 2022, he published And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, which won numerous awards, including the Lincoln Prize, and spent 16 weeks on the Times bestseller list. A #1 New York Times bestseller, Meacham’s The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels examines the present moment in American politics and life by looking back at critical times in U.S. history when hope overcame division and fear. | |
| Meacham is a frequent guest on Morning Joe, Real Time with Bill Maher, The 11th Hour, and was featured in Ken Burns’ documentary series The Roosevelts: An Intimate History. FOX News produced an hour-long special about Meacham’s Destiny and Power. | |
| Named a “Global Leader for Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum, he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a fellow of the Society of American Historians. Meacham is a distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University, where he holds the Rogers Chair in the American Presidency. In 2024, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Biden and was honored as a Library Lion of the New York Public Library. | |
| 12:15 p.m. | Book Signing by Jon Meacham Floridian Ballroom Foyer |
| 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Sidewalk Café Cash Lunch Sales Bonnet Creek Ballroom |
| 1:15 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Closes |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Understanding Florida DOGE: What Cities Need to Know Waterside Ballroom 1 |
| The newly established Florida Department of Government Efficiency (FL DOGE) is charged with a bold mission: eliminating government waste, reducing red tape, and promoting fiscal responsibility across the state. What does this mean for Florida’s cities? Join this dynamic and informative session with the FL DOGE office to learn about their objectives and their ongoing work related to municipal operations, compliance, and funding. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the department’s evolving activities and how your city can stay ahead. | |
| Moderator: Casey Cook, Chief of Legislative Affairs, FLC Speaker: Eric Soskin, Senior Adviser and DOGE Team Lead, Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis |
|
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Smart Streets, Safe Riders: E-Bikes, Scooters, and Public Safety Policy for Florida Cities Waterside Ballroom 2 |
| Micromobility is reshaping how Floridians move through their cities. From e-scooters to e-bikes, local governments are balancing innovation with public safety, infrastructure design, and equitable access. This workshop equips elected officials and city staff with real-world insights, model policies, and Florida-specific case studies to navigate this fast-evolving space. | |
| Speakers: Austin Britt, Parking and Micromobility Coordinator, City of Tampa; Lily Elefteriadou, Ph.D., Director, UF Transportation Institute; and Seth Wood, AICP, Urban Planner, City of Gainesville | |
| 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Refreshment Break Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Advocacy Committee Meeting |
| Chair: Shaun Ferguson, Councilman, Rockledge | |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Marketing Your City: Stories, Strategies, and Spotlight Moments Waterside Ballroom 3 |
| From landing a feature on HGTV to crafting engaging social media content and building relationships with local news, marketing your city takes creativity, coordination, and a strong sense of place. In this panel discussion, city staff will share real-world examples and lessons learned from promoting their communities. Discover strategies you can take home to elevate your city’s story and spotlight what makes it unique. | |
| Speakers: Clarissa Howard, Communications Director, City of Winter Park; Candice Temple, Communications Director, City of Palm Beach Gardens; and Hannah Tucker, Public Information Officer, City of Sebring | |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | SOLUTION SESSION – Smart Safety: Transforming School Zones with Automated Speed Enforcement Waterside Ballroom 2 |
| Speeding in school zones puts children at risk every day. This session will showcase how Florida municipalities are improving safety and compliance through RedSpeed’s turnkey automated school zone speed enforcement program. Learn how this data-driven solution is reducing violations, enhancing public awareness, and generating zero-cost implementation opportunities for cities. We’ll cover legislative updates, implementation strategies, and community engagement best practices to help your city take the next step in school zone safety. | |
| Speakers: Michael Bentolila, Chief, Aventura Police Department and President, Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police; and Greg Parks, Senior Vice President, RedSpeed | |
| 4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. | Refreshment Break Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| Round Four: | |
| 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Inside the Process: Navigating Florida’s Legislative Landscape Waterside Ballroom 1 |
| Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session is arriving early – and with it, high-stakes policy debates that will challenge home rule authority and test the unity of local governments. We’ll be entering a pivotal political year with shifting dynamics and competing priorities that will shape how legislation advances – or stalls. This session will offer local elected officials a practical understanding of how the legislative process really works, beyond what’s in the textbooks. From key timelines and strategies to insights on power players and behind-the-scenes negotiations, attendees will walk away better prepared to engage, advocate, and protect their communities. | |
| Speaker: Diana Ferguson, Attorney and Lobbyist, Rutledge Ecenia | |
| 4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Florida League of Cities Board of Directors Meeting Citrus/Collier/Columbia (Lower Level) |
| 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Membership Networking Reception Bonnet Creek Ballroom I-III |
| 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Young Elected Municipal Officials Dessert ReceptionFloridian Ballroom I |
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Coffee Service Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Local and Regional League Breakfast Meetings RSVPs were required with your local league by August 1 in order to guarantee a seat at the breakfasts. Breakfast meetings are not included in conference registration. |
| Alachua County/Northeast Florida Leagues of Cities Flagler/Gilchrist (Lower Level) |
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| Gold Coast League of Cities Floridian Ballroom JK |
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| Northwest Florida/Suwannee Leagues of Cities Orange (Lower Level) |
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| Ridge League of Cities Preserve 1-7 (Lower Level – Waterside Building) |
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| Southwest/Space Coast/Treasure Coast Leagues of Cities Floridian Ballroom L |
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| Suncoast/Tri-County/Volusia Leagues of Cities Floridian Ballroom GHI |
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| 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Registration Desk and League Lounge Open Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Business Session Floridian Ballroom A-F |
| To properly conduct the business of the League, it is necessary to separate the delegates into voting and non-voting sections for the Business Session. If necessary, sufficient time will be allocated for caucus by individual city delegates. | |
| Presiding: Michael C. Blake, President, Florida League of Cities and Mayor, City of Cocoa | |
| Parliamentarian: Eric Hartwell, General Counsel, Florida League of Cities | |
| Call to Order | |
| Approval of 2024 Minutes | |
| Reports of Policy Committees and Ad Hoc Committee | |
| Unfinished Business | |
| New Business | |
| Report of Nominating Committee Chair: Jolien Caraballo, Vice Mayor, City of Port St. Lucie |
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| Election of Officers | |
| Comments for the “Good of the Order” | |
| Adjournment of Business Session | |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Refreshment Break Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Second General Session Floridian Ballroom A-F |
| Presiding: Michael C. Blake, President, Florida League of Cities and Mayor, City of Cocoa | |
| Call to Order | |
| Pledge of Allegiance | |
| NLC Presentation: Steve Patterson, President, National League of Cities and Mayor, Athens, Ohio | |
| President’s End of the Year Video | |
| Keynote Presentation: | |
| Ryan Leak (insert description – working on this) | |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Past Presidents’ Luncheon and Installation of New President Bonnet Creek Ballroom IV-XII |
| Presiding: Peggy Brown, Mayor, City of Weston | |
| Call to Order | |
| Invocation: Mark Franks, Second Vice President, Florida League of Cities and Mayor, Town of Shalimar | |
| Introduction and Installation of Incoming President | |
| Florida League of Cities Board of Directors Meeting Immediately Following LunchCitrus/Collier/Columbia (Lower Level) |
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| 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Emotional Intelligence for Effective Public Leadership Floridian Ballroom I |
| In today’s fast-paced and highly visible environment, leadership isn’t just about policy – it’s about people. In this engaging session, you will better understand how to build trust, navigate conflict, and lead with clarity and confidence, even in challenging situations. If you would like to foster a leadership presence that inspires trust, credibility, and resilience, then invest one hour and walk away a more effective, people-centered leader. | |
| Moderator: Dorothea Taylor Bogert, Mayor, City of Auburndale | |
| Speaker: Ricki Braswell, CAE, President and CEO, Beyond Coaching | |
| 6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Reception Bonnet Creek Foyer |
| 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Inaugural Celebration Bonnet Creek Ballroom IV-XIIPlease note: the performance includes fog and laser effects. |
| 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Inaugural Celebration After Party Bonnet Creek Ballroom II-III |
The Florida League of Cities 2024 Annual Conference was held August 15-17 at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood. Workshop presentations and a selection of recorded sessions are available below. Click here to view the 2024 Conference minutes.
August 13-15, 2026
THE DIPLOMAT BEACH RESORT – HOLLYWOOD
August 17-19, 2028
THE DIPLOMAT BEACH RESORT – HOLLYWOOD
Contact Lily Etemadi for more information.
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