Florida Leaders Hear Bay County's Voice: Top Issues Include Education, Childcare, Taxes, and Constitutional Rights

December 19, 2024

by Karen Custer

Florida Representative Griffitts and Senator Trumbull met with citizens of Bay County on December 16th to hear their concerns and requests for assistance.

Appearances were made by:

Lynn Haven Mayor Jesse Nelson requested funding to relocate the wastewater treatment system from Lynn Haven to the county.

Superintendent Mark McQueen discussed efforts to "Put the ‘A’ Back in Bay," improved attendance rates, the importance of the Office of School Safety, the increase in beginning teachers’ salaries to $50,000, and the need to repeal legislation regarding school start times due to inadequate buses to meet the demands of the law. He also requested increased funding for ELL and ESE programs.

Gulf Coast State College President Glen McDonald stated that full equivalent enrollment had declined but is now experiencing 8% growth.

Joe Holt, Chairman of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the need for additional affordable childcare, raised concerns about low income eligibility thresholds that penalize two-income households, and emphasized the rising cost of insurance.

Chuck Sowers, CPAR, noted that Florida is the only state with a business income tax of 2%. He called for its elimination and requested an extension of the Hometown Heroes program.

Susan Gage and Tami Valdez from the Early Learning Coalition of NW Florida advocated for raising the childcare subsidy program threshold to 65%.

Alexis Underwood, from the Association of Bay County Educators, discussed CSI turnaround efforts for schools rated D or F. She highlighted the need for master teachers at these schools but requested a suspension of penalties affecting their VAM scores while they serve in these roles.

Steve Hough, Veterans for All Voters, mentioned that millions of voters were disenfranchised during primaries.

Ron Sharpe, The Arc of the Bay, raised concerns about Medicare waivers, announced the January 10 ribbon cutting of a new six-bedroom home, and emphasized the need for vocational rehabilitation.

Rex Reid recommended increasing the public safety limit in the TDC from 10% to 20%, eliminating involuntary red flag laws, and passing HB 31.

Bob Kufert, Defend Florida and Florida Fair Elections Lead, urged reconsideration of Election Integrity bills such as HB 359, HB 135, HB 671, HB 1101, and HB 1669. He opposed SB 562 and HB 721.

Karen Custer, Chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Bay County, requested the establishment of a Joint Legislative Committee on Constitutional Enforcement to evaluate federal actions threatening state sovereignty. She also advocated for passing a Constitutional Sanctuary County ordinance and invited participation in a "Restore the Republic" rally.

Sunny Reid, John Birch Society, warned about the dangers of an Article V Convention of States.

April Gibson, Moms for Liberty, supported removing synthetic dyes from food, regulating classroom flag displays, and requiring advanced notice and opt-in for corporal punishment in schools.

We appreciate Representative Griffitts and Senator Trumbull for hearing our concerns.