A issue that dominated the Eustis City Commission’s agenda involved the relocation of a facility serving the homeless population currently located in the downtown area. One commissioner expressed a strong sense of urgency, emphasizing that the situation had become untenable for the city’s revitalization efforts. The commissioner pointed out the increased visibility of homeless individuals downtown, describing the situation as an “optical illusion,” where it seemed as though homeless individuals were being concentrated in Eustis, detracting from the area’s appeal. The issue was underscored by a recent violent incident involving a homeless individual with mental health issues, illustrating broader systemic challenges.

The discussion on homelessness highlighted a need for a multi-jurisdictional approach, with calls for collaboration among neighboring municipalities to develop a comprehensive facility that provides mental health care and affordable housing. The commissioner advocated for exploring successful initiatives in nearby counties to find a solution that could better serve the homeless population without burdening Eustis alone. Suggestions were made to consider relocating the facility to a more suitable area, potentially on the outskirts of the city, where more land might be available. There was a consensus that other municipalities should share the responsibility rather than leaving it solely to Eustis.

Alongside the discourse on homelessness, the commission received a detailed presentation on a Targeted Industry and Smart Growth Study conducted by the economic development director and Vision First, a consulting firm. This study aimed to identify industries that align with Eustis’ resources and infrastructure, promoting economic diversification and job stability. The industries highlighted included food processing, information technology, distribution, aerospace manufacturing, and agri-tech. Emphasis was placed on sustainable growth strategies that align with the city’s infrastructure and character, targeting industries that create middle-scale jobs with upward mobility.

In particular, the food processing sector was noted for its recession resilience. The study recommended focusing on low water and low power impact uses, such as dry foods and specialty food production, to avoid straining local resources. The commission discussed the potential in the information technology sector, particularly the growth in cloud computing and secure data infrastructure, with Eustis’ inland location offering advantages for disaster resilience.

Further discussion centered on distribution, with a focus on small-scale and niche operations like last-mile delivery to support local manufacturers without causing traffic congestion. Aerospace manufacturing presented opportunities due to regional growth in aerospace and defense, while the agricultural sector was noted for blending traditional practices with modern agri-tech innovations. The commission acknowledged the need to market these targeted industries effectively, with a budget allocated for developing materials and branding to attract businesses.

The meeting also addressed the city manager position, with a discussion on the potential appointment of Rick Garrick as the permanent city manager. Members expressed varying opinions, weighing the benefits of continuing with a consultant search against the possibility of appointing Garrick, who is already familiar with the city’s needs. Financial considerations were noted, with the consultant cost estimated at nearly $30,000, raising questions about the efficiency of the process if Garrick were ultimately selected. There was a general sentiment of confidence in Garrick’s capability to lead the city, with discussions on maintaining momentum and avoiding disruptions in ongoing initiatives.

In other matters, the commission approved several ordinances related to property annexation and land use designation. They also deliberated on a sign permit issue for a Burger King, ultimately suggesting further consideration of maintaining the sign’s current height while encouraging beautification efforts around it.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of successful community initiatives, including a commendation to the police department for their response to an incident and the outcomes of a recent food drive. The commission also reflected on their productive trip to Tallahassee, focusing on legislative engagement and the importance of proactive planning for future changes.