At the forefront of the meeting, John Christian from the Community Development Corporation (CDC) detailed the organization’s efforts to improve housing and business conditions in Leesburg. He emphasized the need for the city’s partnership, noting that the CDC had lowered rents to support local businesses, costing the organization $40,000 in revenue. Christian highlighted recent developments, including the purchase of duplexes and the completion of three new homes in Carver Heights. He requested the city’s help in addressing infrastructure issues, such as a recent $2,610 plumbing problem, and voiced concerns over city engagement, stating that commissioners often missed CDC events despite attending other community activities. He urged the city to allocate $300,000 from Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds for stormwater projects to mitigate flooding in Carver Heights.

Flooding was a recurring theme throughout the meeting, exacerbated by Hurricane Milton. Residents spoke about the significant flooding in areas like Talladega, John’s Avenue, and Georgia, which has been a persistent issue for years. The city manager provided an update on the storm’s impact, describing it as a 500-year event that overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure. The Canal Treatment Plant faced severe challenges, with wastewater management teams working to contain breaches and prevent contamination of Lake Griffin. Despite losing approximately 1.9 million gallons of wastewater, swift action by the Wastewater team helped save a couple hundred thousand gallons. The city manager praised the electric department for restoring power to 90% of customers within 57 hours, despite the storm’s severity.

The meeting also addressed homelessness, with community members expressing diverse opinions on how to manage the issue. Some residents emphasized the need for more humane solutions, such as establishing service centers and providing mobile shower facilities. Others supported the current approach, highlighting concerns over community degradation and the responsibility of taxpayers.

In addition, the commission discussed the city’s involvement in the America in Bloom program, which aims to enhance community beautification. Ideas included creating a beautification board to oversee projects like planting flowers at city entrance signs. The proposal received general support, though commissioners debated the board’s structure to ensure fair representation across the city. Public comments included an invitation to the Moonlight tour at Lone Oak Cemetery and a call for wreath donations for the Rees Across America event.

Other notable items included discussions on ordinances regulating public camping and access to city properties. The ordinances aim to comply with state laws while addressing community concerns about homelessness. Public comments raised questions about the effectiveness of such measures without accompanying support systems.