In an attempt to bring tourists and young people back to aging downtown districts, many cities have legalized outdoor drinking – and it has been somewhat successful in revitalizing those areas, according to an article from The Pew Charitable Trusts. In 2016, cities in Mississippi and Ohio legalized “outdoor refreshment areas,” zones where patrons can…
When Fernandina Beach Utilities Department Director John Mandrick sat down to read the latest issue of Trenchless Technology, he was taken somewhat aback. There on page 68 of the October 2016 issue was his photo and the city logo. As he read on, Mandrick realized that his department’s work on rehabilitating manholes and pipes had…
Uber and Lyft drivers will now be able to legally operate in Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission voted Wednesday to approve a temporary operating agreement. The measure will allow the ride-hailing companies to work in the county. Uber and Lyft agreed to the settlement, but company officials maintain a state law on…
While Manatee County’s half-cent infrastructure sales tax will not go into effect until January, county officials are already looking through the list of projects that will be funded with the new revenue to see which can be started first. “We would like to, as we identify those projects, come back to the board and perhaps…
The city will host an open house on Tuesday to educate residents about the $32 million groundwater replenishment project currently under design after seven years of study. Clearwater is the first city in Florida and one of only a handful in the United States to launch a facility that will purify wastewater to drinking standards…
Hurricane Matthew washed away dunes and vegetation along Flagler Beach, and now the goal is to figure out how to rebuild. City, county, state and federal officials on Wednesday came together in a closed meeting to throw around ideas on how to fix the environmental state of the beach. Some of the ideas include dune…
The City Council unanimously voted to accept a potential gift of 2.02 acres of land from the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce. The land, on the northeast corner of First Street and Oak Street, would be used for a public parking lot. “The idea would be to create an attractive parking area,” Mayor Rodney Cannon said…
While Hernando County officials have voiced concern that a proposed waste-to-energy project could cost taxpayers millions of dollars over the life of the project, the attorney representing the company that would build the plant told commissioners this week that it would instead save the county more than $1 million a year. County commissioners said they…
BROOKSVILLE – As one of their last officials acts, the Hernando County Commission this week awarded Len Sossamon a four-year contract extension as county administrator and economic development director, much to the chagrin of a few government watchdogs and the two new commissioners who take office next month. The action, backed by strong words from…
The city commissioners look like they have found their next city manager – again. During a special meeting Tuesday night, the City Commission voted 5-0 to offer the city’s top appointed position to Thomas Ernharth, 51, the current city manager of Starke. “As far as looking down the list, he seemed to hit all the…
The city has approved an employment contract with its new city manager, who starts the job on Nov. 21 while making the move from Gainesville, where he previously served as city manager. The City Council unanimously voted on Monday to approve the contract of Russ Blackburn with little discussion. He will be paid a base…
Survivors rebuilding their lives from Hurricane Hermine have until Monday, November 28, to register for federal disaster assistance. The storm caused widespread damage along Florida’s western coastline, and the State of Florida, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continue to support individual and family recovery efforts. Individuals who…
