News Release #32-23
City of Fort Pierce
Monday, April 13, 2022
Contact: Joe Sweat, Communications Specialist
772.467.3031 | jsweat@cityoffortpierce.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Fort Pierce Honored with TWO Home Rule Hero Awards in 2022
Fort Pierce, FL – The Florida League of Cities (FLC), celebrating its 100th anniversary as the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently honored the City of Fort Pierce with two Home Rule Hero Awards in 2022. Mayor Linda Hudson and Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. were both recognized for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2022 Legislative Session. Mayor Hudson and Commissioner Johnson worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities, and advance the League’s legislative agenda.
“On behalf of the League and its legislative team, we’re very proud to present this year’s Home Rule Hero Awards to a deserving group of municipal leaders,” said FLC Director of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “We had a record number of Home Rule Heroes this year, which shows the dedication and impact of local officials on behalf of their residents and businesses in protecting local decision-making. These local officials were constantly engaged and actively advocating for their communities throughout the 2022 Legislative Session. They’re heroes for Home Rule and we thank them for their efforts.”
Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.
Commissioner Johnson shared, “It is an honor to receive this award and recognition for the service that I love doing. As a native Floridian, that was born and raised in Fort Pierce, I will always advocate for local ruling authority because local communities must be able to govern and respond to their respective community standards. I am honored to be elected to represent my community with the God-fearing knowledge that, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
“It is important to the City of Fort Pierce and the 400 plus Florida municipalities that the legislature recognizes Home Rule, a concept found in Florida’s constitution that allows local governments to serve residents in unique and effective ways. I appreciate the Florida League of Cities recognizing me as a Home Rule Hero, an honor I accept for my personal efforts and those of our commission and staff. We work as a team during each legislative session to tell our story to our state legislators,” said Mayor Linda Hudson.
The Florida League of Cities will formally recognize Mayor Hudson and Commissioner Johnson at a future event hosted by the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities.
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Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities, which are formed and governed by their citizens. The League believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities. For more information, visit flcities.com.