FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020 CONTACT: Brittni Johnsen [email protected] / 850.701.3652
The governor issued Executive Order 20-69 clarifying how local governments are to proceed in holding public meetings given safety and logistical challenges posed by the coronavirus, while also giving consideration to the importance of transparency
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments for more than 90 years, today applauded Governor Ron DeSantis for his leadership in providing direction to Florida’s 412 cities, towns and villages as it relates to holding public meetings given the safety and logistical challenges created by the coronavirus.
“Local government officials like myself have to conduct important city business in the face of this crisis, and Governor DeSantis’ executive order gives important clarification on how cities can do so given the appropriate social distancing restrictions in place on both officials and residents,” said FLC President Isaac Salver, council member for the Town of Bay Harbor Islands. “On behalf of our state’s municipal leaders, we applaud the governor for his leadership and for establishing the tools and resources cities can use while also understanding the importance of transparency. Local officials of Florida’s 412 municipalities look forward to working together in the interests of the health and safety of their residents.”
The governor’s executive order eliminates the requirement of cities to have a quorum present, while also allowing the use of communications media technology such as telephonic and video conference calls.