Eustis K9 Officer Maya Honored at Retirement Ceremony

The Eustis City Commission meeting on March 7, 2024, saw the retirement of a highly accomplished K9 officer named Maya, the presentation of community-enhancing projects, and the approval of important city development plans.

Maya, a valued member of the Eustis Police Department, received honors upon her retirement. With 418 deployments under her collar, Maya contributed to law enforcement efforts by locating approximately 18.5 pounds of narcotics, 34 firearms, and $15,000 in US currency. Her service exemplifies the critical role police dogs play in the community, a sentiment echoed by the police chief during the ceremony. The department also discussed plans to ensure the K9 unit’s continuity.

In the realm of healthcare, AdventHealth Community Clinic’s presentation outlined their dedication to supporting uninsured residents in Northeast Lake County. A current patient of the clinic shared their personal journey. The CEO of AdventHealth expressed a commitment to enhancing community services, including initiatives such as food pantries and day shelters.

The meeting transitioned to addressing local economic development. A presentation emphasized the importance of supporting startup companies and fostering economic growth through a business incubator facility. Mark Long, the presenter, recommended leveraging a collaborative approach with existing organizations and exploring alternative methods, such as a Seed Accelerator program, to nurture local businesses. The commission acknowledged the necessity of building community awareness and improving coordination among agencies.

A discussion of the potential for attracting more capital to Central Florida ensued, with a proposal to collaborate with the University of Central Florida and to host an annual event aimed at drawing funders.

Additionally, the commission approved several resolutions that will shape the city’s infrastructure and facilities. Among these was Resolution number 24-6, approving the preliminary subdivision plat for Kurt Street Town Homes, which now includes a walking trail and a Tot Lot in place of a pickleball court. The commission also approved Resolution number 24-21, which pertains to the budget amendment for the purchase of a fire truck, an acquisition that may take up to 49 months. Resolution number 24-24, facilitating improvements for Corey R Field, was also greenlit, with a conceptual plan that includes a new Press Box and concession stand.

The meeting was not without its concerns from the public. A member of the community voiced frustration over accusations made against them and presented evidence in the form of photographs. Another issue discussed was the condition of sports field turf, with the commission considering alternatives to Bermuda grass, such as Bahia grass or artificial turf, to ease maintenance challenges.

Renovation and preservation of city landmarks were also on the agenda, with updates on the painting and termite inspections of the Clifford house, Citrus Museum, and Pavilion. The commission deliberated on a new mural for the Citrus Museum and the relocation of a cannon, potentially to City Hall or a planned Veterans Memorial.

The Public Works director presented a conceptual site plan for the Clifford House Historical Museum’s landscaping, focusing on incorporating Florida native species to reduce irrigation and maintenance. Details of the budget and adjustments to the project were discussed, including the phased implementation and exploration of grant opportunities such as T-Mobile and the Florida Wildflower grant.

Additionally, the commission addressed various ordinances related to land use designations and voluntary annexations.

The meeting concluded with updates on the search for a new finance director and various community events, including the rescheduling of Arbor Day and updates on the Coolidge project. The commission also expressed gratitude to the state legislature and acknowledged community service award winners.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Michael Holland
City Council Officials:
Emily Lee, Gary Ashcraft, Willie Hawkins, Nan Cobb

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording