Highlights - Hernando County Legislative Delegation Meeting

The Hernando County Legislative Delegation assembled this afternoon for their annual meeting in downtown Brooksville to take public testimony in reference to the needs and concerns that our residents face in our county. Representatives David Russell and Charles Dean along with Senators Paula Dockery and Mike Fasano intently listened to everyone's concerns from county elected officials, school board officials, city representatives along with many appointed boards, nonprofits and citizens in the community. The Hernando County School Board voiced future financial impacts to the county that will be felt when they implement the Class Size Amendment. They also brought up concerns about the co-teaching requirements. Karla Grimsley, circuit administrator for the Guardian Ad Litem Program, asked for increased assistance for the children that are not represented by an attorney in these difficult circumstances. Mark Berry of The Arc Nature Coast asked for increased funding and consideration to cover the increases his nonprofit organization faces each day with their operational costs. Anna Liisa Covell, Chairwoman of the Hernando County Planning Commission brought up concerns with current statutes that govern Assisted Living Facilities requesting serious thought be given to owner occupancy being required in ALF's under 6 occupants. Many residents came to this meeting to address this same issue of ALF's and the impacts to their residential communities. Rep. Russell indicated that he would be looking into the language in the current statutes. Morris Porton of the Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee came with a letter of thanks to the delegation. David Beardon, president of the National Federation of the Blind asked for increased transportation disadvantaged funding. Rose Rocco of the United Communities spoke on the massive increases in home owners insurance along her concerns on legislation for home owners associations. Representative Russell was pleasantly surprised by two plaques he received for his service in the Florida Legislature. Mr. Russell received one award from the Hernando County Commission and one from the City of Brooksville along with their a city resolution. Our dedicated elected officials patiently listened to everyone that wished to speak even though the meeting ran over by almost an hour.