The meeting, hosted at Florida A&M University, began with the Chair and university President Larry Robinson acknowledging the institution’s contributions to the community. The Chair emphasized the need for cooperation and respect among the commissioners, while the Vice Chair and other commissioners expressed appreciation for the Retreat’s role in reviewing and setting future priorities.

One of the most prominent items on the agenda was the update on the 2024 Leon County Bicentennial celebrations marking Tallahassee’s establishment in 1824. The County Council heard a detailed presentation by Bicentennial coordinator B Johnson, who outlined the extensive planning process. Celebratory events aim to engage the community and promote social engagement through the use of the bicentennial logo and hashtag. Special edition Bicentennial library cards were introduced, and the council was informed about Bicentennial banners at county libraries and the courthouse and the installation of themed welcome signs. The presentation also highlighted the development of a mobile app called Bicentennial 200 History in Your Hands, which will serve as a digital tour guide.

The council was briefed on the various task forces involved in the bicentennial celebration, including history, community outreach, education, interfaith, and marketing, each responsible for engaging different community segments and promoting events. The history task force’s efforts in preserving Tallahassee and Leon County’s shared heritage and the education task force’s collaboration with local schools were particularly noted.

The council also discussed the allocation of grant funds to support Bicentennial events and initiatives. An important part of the Bicentennial celebrations, the 2024 Created Equal event, will focus on 200 years of Black and Brown history in Leon County. Additionally, the council was informed about plans for a Champion Celebration event to honor the successes of both FAMU and FSU teams.

In the realm of strategic planning, the County Administrator provided an update on the 5-year strategic plan, highlighting the progress made on initiatives, with 53 completed and 14 in progress. Proposed revisions to increase the original targets due to unprecedented achievements and challenges, such as the pandemic and hurricanes, were discussed. The board approved a proposal to expand support for the 10th anniversary of the Honor Flight event, among other strategic initiatives.

Addressing the economic climate, one council member suggested considering a reduction in the millage rate and a 90/10 split in employer contributions for the county’s health care plan, showing empathy toward community challenges. The County Administrator assured that these proposals would be examined during the upcoming budget workshops.

Regarding infrastructure, Commissioner Proctor proposed acquiring federal lands to mitigate housing shortages and improve the quality of life. Commissioner Caban suggested collaborating with law enforcement to combat crime and nuisance activity in specific areas, while Commissioner Miner argued for a broader approach to similar issues across the county.

The meeting concluded with discussions around environmental sustainability. Proposals included expanding the fleet of electric vehicles, reviewing the green event policy ahead of the 2026 World Athletic Cross-Country Championships, and implementing a biochar program at the Solid Waste Management Facility. Additionally, the council considered a strategic initiative to host outreach events for the Vision 2025 comprehensive plan update.