West Melbourne council members oppose Live Local Act expansion during Tallahassee visit

The City Council of West Melbourne convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss various topics impacting the community, including legislative matters and local initiatives. The meeting began with council members reflecting on their recent trip to Tallahassee, where they engaged with state legislators on critical issues such as ad valorem reductions, Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs), and the controversial expansion of the Live Local Act.

Council member Gaylord reported that four council members attended the legislative meetings, where they expressed opposition to the expansion of the Live Local Act, which has raised concerns among residents regarding its potential impact on local development and land use. This sentiment was echoed by council member Adams, who highlighted that many attendees at the legislative session voiced their opposition to the amendment, which could significantly increase developers' influence over local zoning and land use decisions.

Adams encouraged residents to actively engage with their legislators, even those who do not directly represent West Melbourne, to express their opinions on the Live Local Act and other legislative matters. She noted that the housing subcommittee, which voted in favor of the amendment, did not include a representative from West Melbourne, underscoring the importance of community feedback in the legislative process.

In addition to legislative discussions, council members shared updates on local events, including the upcoming Trash Bash scheduled for Saturday, where community members are invited to participate in a cleanup effort at Community Park. Council member McGuire also mentioned attending a recent event where the governor discussed grant programs aimed at recovering funds for local projects.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the mural policy, which has been pending for several months. Planning Director Fisher acknowledged the delays but assured the council that the policy would be prioritized moving forward.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to keeping residents informed and engaged in local governance, particularly regarding legislative actions that could affect the community's future. The council plans to continue discussions on the Youth Advisory Council initiative, with examples of successful programs being shared for consideration in future workshops.