[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6164601,"mediaKeyId","5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849","parentId",5428062,"title","Lake Community Action Agency presents residential rehab results; program runs out of funds, commission authorizes emergency completion","audioSeconds",2159,"startMs",1477000,"endMs",3636000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849&start=1477&end=3636","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849/thumbnail_1477000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164601/Florida/Lake-Community-Action-Agency-presents-residential-rehab-results-program-runs-out-of-funds-commission-authorizes-emergency-completion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164601-6ef7236a457529437e30320782e35672/orig.mp4?Expires=1770655430&Signature=kyHlCssRRklVUS40awW71q3Je-SfEW7XIE3~JvTViUvFsKNfK51D4Ew9MfuNqIYB9VzVP1K-QJmm463uZGkUfPHRTttoLmG4odoRvwN8NR4TnAG5LjPVr0SzbU4Mi5-U1VieoXmlHTPDFM-R6Uvf~MSzpYDKMyd0SXj0QfQTmPr9goGfnOQQP3mMajdy3xXjfGCMgQAqlVBK1WM~OzjFvM6cXWRqGG0woK-5ywWVfTn48sXE2kua2V5l9G80sIULVarxRNWjuPWVhqazbNE8XRCISdPjQISiicGJstElcmDGz7gqLR9V6gwsvKB1DBQQ0mqAsl~flYZccw268GyzsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Eustis, FL","date","2025-07-18T14:35:50Z","article","Lake Community Action Agency (LCA) staff presented a progress report on the city’s residential rehabilitation program and asked the City Commission and CRA board how to proceed after program funds were exhausted for the fiscal year.

Derek Blue, LCA project staff, described work completed under the program in the community redevelopment area (CRA), including mold remediation, bathroom and kitchen replacements, structural repairs and energy-efficiency measures such as new HVAC units and insulation. He said the program prioritizes health and safety items, documents each project with pre‑ and post‑inspections and leaves educational materials and manufacturer or contractor warranties with homeowners.

Tim Bridges, director of program operations at LCA, reviewed outcomes and finances. He said the CRA contributed roughly $302,000 over a five‑year period, of which $272,000 covered materials and labor. Using other federal and weatherization funds, the agency has completed 31 homes within the city (13 in the CRA and 18 outside), plus additional projects countywide. Bridges said LCA’s administrative model funnels about 85% of funds directly into client assistance and that contractors are local and licensed.

LCA described a program support fee ($4,000) that covers outreach, eligibility verification, development of a work scope, permit management and quality control. Bridges and Blue said typical project costs average about $12,000 per home and that the agency leverages multiple funding sources (weatherization, federal grants and CRA dollars) to cover larger needs.

Homeowners who attended described the program’s impact. Sandra Purdue, an Eustis resident, told commissioners the work — including grab bars and bathroom repairs after a fall — “really helped me because by me being a single parent… now I'm a senior citizen.” Another homeowner, Louis Armstrong, said LCA stepped in when he could no longer complete repairs due to health problems.

Program shortfall and commission direction: LCA said it had spent about $125,000 of the current fiscal year allocation and was out of funds until the next budget year on Oct. 1. Commissioners discussed adding money from CRA reserves to finish pending projects. The commission approved an immediate, emergency authorization to proceed with a qualified homeowner’s project estimated at $12,050, using purchasing procedures that allow emergency work with later CRA board notification. Commissioners also expressed support for increasing next fiscal year funding to keep the program operating without interruption.

Why it matters: The residential rehab program addresses unsafe housing conditions for low‑income and senior residents by prioritizing health, safety and energy efficiency. LCA said the program’s model emphasizes local contractors, client education and leveraging federal weatherization funds; commissioners weighed short‑term emergency funding to complete an in‑progress project and discussed larger budget adjustments ahead of the October budget cycle.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Commission Meeting - 17 July, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lake Community Action Agency told the City Commission that its residential rehab program has completed 31 homes in Eustis but has exhausted CRA funds for the fiscal year; commissioners authorized an emergency $12,050 expenditure to finish one qualified project and discussed increasing future CRA support.","taxTitle","City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida","taxId",71128,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6164585,"Commission sets preliminary millage at 7.581 mills; staff to close $371,000 shortfall",701,3987000,4688000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849&start=3987&end=4688","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849/thumbnail_3987000.jpg","/articles/6164585/Florida/Commission-sets-preliminary-millage-at-7581-mills-staff-to-close-371000-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164585-1b187a54c81544c02e0015c141b32f54/orig.mp4?Expires=1770655430&Signature=hvj6x70IRRTi2HlAtznmUkC2x~Wr4c0KfXrYuOGp8hJg9n9KGXPTlO9IDnCmZsUcDq0r~92FW52lOiKSsByyCTg7NevZ5aJ2iv5hXvXBHjQvb9ZnYc1F5LMFuxAtMVoEkbXKYkZpJImGEymX3RHX8XSeAeTeVOYPbnEpmuwo9KXI2ckLKWdQ~lSJZp0dHRr90WCBsGddqqhLMsvl9plx0o-Gy72Adi85vffv-FFQNupMhv-Q-Tw57C4-NZ9ZpBKfXKbn5AJZTooUWcW55Dr7QfcwJ-WR12mwfnYu6oA-Cv8fno9nPVH9j4k7IeTck4CegdAL6gR9Yh~4oDn~-YlPnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance Director Lori Carr presented the preliminary numbers for the fiscal‑year budget process and recommended the commission approve a proposed millage rate of 7.581 mills for the trim notices. Carr stressed the decision tonight sets a proposed (preliminary) rate for property tax notices; the final adopted millage can be lower but an increase would require additional mailing to property owners.

Carr said the city’s taxable values increased about 9.3% but that new construction revenue fell from the prior year. She outlined major cost drivers, including a confirmed 5.5% increase in health insurance and an estimated 14% rise in property and casualty premiums, which are still being finalized. The preliminary general‑fund revenues were approximately $28.2 million against expenses of $29.8 million, producing a $1.6 million shortfall. Carr noted typical practice sometimes funds recurring capital or CIP from reserves; using reserves to fund some selected recurring capital reduced the immediate shortfall to about $371,000.

City Manager and finance staff said they will continue to refine the budget, but warned the commission that balancing the budget could require cutting about $680,000 in operating requests or using fund balance. Carr said the city holds healthy reserves and that past years have closed with surpluses when vacancy savings and unspent projects materialized, but she cautioned relying on unspent budget as a strategy.

The commission approved Resolution 25‑54 (proposed millage of 7.581 mills) on a recorded vote. Commissioners asked staff for follow‑up work on the capital improvement program and to schedule additional budget workshops to address the remaining shortfall and finalize the budget before final adoption in September.","The City Commission approved a preliminary millage rate of 7.581 mills for the coming fiscal year so that rate will appear on property tax notices; finance staff reported a preliminary general‑fund gap of about $1.6 million that can be trimmed to roughly $371,000 by using reserves for recurring capital, but additional budget adjustments are anticipated.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6164591,"City adopts temporary pause to review land‑development actions after state law limits local post‑storm rules",914,4454000,5368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849&start=4454&end=5368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849/thumbnail_4454000.jpg","/articles/6164591/Florida/City-adopts-temporary-pause-to-review-landdevelopment-actions-after-state-law-limits-local-poststorm-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164591-f5f415777d961f38294f8c9d285e85b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770655430&Signature=TdTg5hoOiM00Vyzs0KW-XkVGc0pLLbXmVeRpweJULu3NpedNCx7ZXgnBotJg2EyW3oY3ums1~CvxRV9VzXla3EXKhUS~MFVvhW3RbNgoB9sJ61Pt-d2hH7QnqR8QhPJ7MUlSo3Hm8E7KdLOpb3931I75HEphkccVUPZQwkB1Ia1kOKmYZpI9qvYk~opAbEngEr0uOCC7CzXCjmpaLxmtO5x1c5rqAZJfZp2tvLGtLXREsG-0CrLavfJfE1i24JRGAzqXwxurx-sD73NoRQ8JlT-QGqdYk7zfo2nZHM2f5SZsZBADaigYsAtg9BZi~HK7S7n~I875HWPMgNCPMH3JxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Attorney Sasha told the commission the Legislature enacted Senate Bill 1180, which limits local governments’ ability to enact moratoria or adopt more restrictive comprehensive‑plan or land‑development rules in jurisdictions covered by federal disaster declarations between Aug. 1, 2024 and Oct. 1, 2027. The law also requires procedures for post‑storm permitting. Because Lake County and the city fall within the statute's scope, the resolution directs staff to identify and, where required, repeal ordinances and resolutions that conflict with the state law and to prepare conforming amendments to the city code.

Sasha said the bill is broad and could prevent local changes intended to increase resilience; she recommended a temporary suspension and an audit of actions adopted after the statutory date so the city can comply and avoid legal exposure. She proposed bringing an ordinance back that would include the local changes already prepared but would state expressly that enforcement would be contingent on the expiration of the statutory restriction, a change in state law, or a court finding the law invalid.

Commission debate was split. Vice Mayor Ashcraft and Commissioner Asbati voted no on the resolution, expressing concern about the legislative overreach and preferring to wait to see if litigation or further guidance emerges. Other commissioners voted to adopt the temporary suspension so staff could complete a code audit and return with recommended amendments. The attorney noted private property owners may have the right to bring a civil action if the city does not comply, increasing the cost of defending code changes in court.

Why it matters: The resolution instructs staff to audit the city’s land‑development ordinances and to prepare conforming amendments to avoid violating state law enacted after the 2024 hurricane season. The action is both defensive — aimed at preventing legal exposure — and procedural: staff will return with suggested code changes and the commission will decide whether to republish ordinances with a caveat that they are not enforceable while the state restriction remains in effect.","Commission approved a resolution directing staff to audit and, where necessary, suspend code changes made after Aug. 1, 2024, to comply with Senate Bill 1180, which restricts local governments' power to adopt more restrictive rules after certain federal disaster declarations.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6164596,"City approves Fish Camp Road self‑storage site plan with waivers after resident objections",0,4547000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849&start=4547&end=4547","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849/thumbnail_4547000.jpg","/articles/6164596/Florida/City-approves-Fish-Camp-Road-selfstorage-site-plan-with-waivers-after-resident-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164596-e7f7c8d262dabb6fe8d127660efacdc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770655430&Signature=T76YFla2K3aVlTvRnJhxvh5WEwp~-I9Lkw21lHVvmaUlT-rXmq~Kzk~2HBhSC0Huhw-4yidML1kg5kmyZPeYcx-HZxzQRiV4WdmS9JeTHvdYsczP8RWHMIisXy5t~33jRqUdhsOAk8yatNK4pZIjwL8bkoOu6zl4hWF-Q-0NjZghES9ojY8pfzfgzEJRPju7w4Uvm9VXSJDN5SiY56GAm9z7p-Bvc~ED2IItClBB~OCfJXsuP1~Ed8da4Mf5A6FL051OGUdSCtehDxHa-nS81z97nhZJitrM-~U6u~Fxkim0TgCBXv49INDmZZ7P00BVevvXuIcVuFhssFH5MPqJEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission approved Resolution 25‑47, a site plan with waivers for a self‑storage facility and outdoor shed sales on about 4.63 acres at 36640 South Fish Camp Road, after staff and applicants described proposed mitigation and a nearby resident raised concerns about impacts on adjacent homes.

Kyle Welch, Development Services, said the proposal includes three mini‑warehouse buildings (29,760 square feet total), RV and boat storage in the interior, an office of about 1,200 square feet and an outdoor shed sales area facing County Road 44. The applicant requested four waivers: a substitution of understory for canopy trees where utilities conflict, a waiver to allow insulated metal‑sided buildings facing the road, a reduction of the primary structure setback (the code allows a maximum 75‑foot primary‑structure setback for commercial lots), and a waiver of frontage build‑out and transparency (fenestration) requirements for the buildings along County Road 44.

Staff recommended approval and described the site as MCR (mixed commercial/residential) with a suburban corridor design district. Tanner Calabaugh, representing the Novaks, said the office would sit about 125 feet from County Road 44 (roughly 50 feet beyond the 75‑foot standard as proposed on the concept plan) and that the storage buildings are single story. He told commissioners the applicants will provide a six‑foot masonry wall along the north property line adjacent to a residence, a landscape buffer and a swale to reduce visual and noise impacts.

A nearby resident, speaking for neighbors on Meadowside Drive, told the commission there is already another storage facility in the corridor and asked the city to consider whether additional storage and shed sales were the best long‑term use for the corridor as residential development increases. She said a masonry wall and maintained landscaping helped but warned about future neglect: “Landscaping is great until it's not. And then it becomes... vacant, nothing, and people dumping stuff.”

Applicant Adam Novak said the business operates LarkSheds in Leesburg and said the company keeps properties presentable; he and John Cook (project manager) told the commission there will be gates and a photometric plan to limit light spill to neighbors. Commissioners discussed corridor planning and the long‑term image the city wants for County Road 44, and one commissioner urged staff to consider the corridor’s future mix of uses as housing develops nearby.

The resolution passed on roll call after discussion; commissioners asked staff and the applicant to continue outreach to the adjacent property owner and to minimize lighting and noise impacts through building and site design.","Commission approved a site plan and four waivers for a self‑storage and shed sales development at South Fish Camp Road and County Road 44; nearby residents raised concerns about proximity to homes, and applicants agreed to a masonry wall and landscape buffer at the north property line.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6164605,"County trails gain SunTrail eligibility; local leaders push feasibility study to compete for funding",1048,198000,1246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849&start=198&end=1246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428062-edb1c5817afe445222a221fb35953849/thumbnail_198000.jpg","/articles/6164605/Florida/County-trails-gain-SunTrail-eligibility-local-leaders-push-feasibility-study-to-compete-for-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164605-b68d193cd7f2c912cab532a600d31c22/orig.mp4?Expires=1770655430&Signature=cmcZf-to14gFP-u5sG2xd~UWu65g3mWXSkPkXbmIvzHAU2dGZ1HxdCD0g7zx73JGUwcdmdBItXoot1UjwrPeM-fvCECTYVmWMc302kc0SKnUTGhnb7bEJIBqF31-04UW4uw0eN86kQfMO2W-Sy3PTHFLrVjyucd1Un3P55tBVKhE0CoMh9lMFodO~tEllt3B0ry-VYqQeHSDNv7qxIikvpPYrDGvxmZJZx-D6bXp4IpKbViXAgCV8hRDkYrWL5SFCEHvC9AiZubjoPOF1vG47d7RnSa~FsXCc34~ArT~u0oj4cVwl2kHZZB3Xoy6QHu0fwg5tvKfpLmruhSf2mdHOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mike Stevens, chairman of the Florida Greenways and Trails Council, told the City Commission that two Lake County routes — the North Lake River-to-Hills Trail and the Wekiva Trail — were added to the state's priority list, making them eligible to apply for SunTrail funding. He said the state’s five-year plan (2024–28) and a recent increase in annual SunTrail funding to about $50 million opens an opportunity for local projects to compete for construction and right‑of‑way funding.

The state list does not guarantee grants, Stevens said: “You have to compete against other trail systems, but because we got it on the priority map, it's now eligible for SunTrail funding.” He described SunTrail as a recurring fund that comes from vehicle registration and said some planning and PD&E (project development and environmental) studies have already been funded through the program.

Stevens urged cities and the county to finish a feasibility study and put local “skin in the game” to increase the chances of securing state funding. He praised staff members Miranda and Tom for re‑energizing an interlocal agreement among Tavares, Eustis, Umatilla and Lake County and said the jurisdictions budgeted money for a feasibility study that will identify preferred corridors and strengthen future grant applications.

Commissioners pressed Stevens on timelines and costs. He said building a trail network in Lake County will take years: “It could be 20 years or it could be 5. We could get lucky and get some trail funding and just move it right along.” On costs for buying railroad right‑of‑way, Stevens estimated informally that acquiring the Wekiva corridor could run “$10,000,000 to $20,000,000,” acknowledging figures grow with time and parcel length.

Stevens and the commission discussed CSX railroad negotiations, noting appraisals are underway on rail parcels where trails are proposed. He said CSX has at times declined sales but that recent conversations show the railroad is willing to talk and that local groups and the Florida Rails‑to‑Trails Conservancy are participating. Where the North Lake Trail is drawn over an old railroad corridor, Stevens said CSX and the trust have appraisals under way and that one Tavares customer still uses a short portion of track for intermittent freight.

Why it matters: adding the two Lake County trails to the state priority list makes them eligible for recurring SunTrail grants, but local matching, clarified routes and feasibility studies are essential to compete for limited funds. The commission encouraged completion of the feasibility study and coordination with the county to strengthen grant applications and to negotiate right‑of‑way acquisitions.

Stevens closed by asking for continued local support, letters of endorsement and developer coordination so planned trails are incorporated when parcels redevelop. Commissioners directed staff to continue interlocal coordination and to prioritize the budgeted feasibility study.","State priority listing makes two Lake County routes eligible for annual SunTrail grants; local officials and advocates said feasibility studies and interlocal cooperation are needed to compete for funds and secure right-of-way from CSX.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lake Community Action Agency presents residential rehab results; program runs out of funds, commission authorizes emergency completion

Commission sets preliminary millage at 7.581 mills; staff to close $371,000 shortfall

City adopts temporary pause to review land‑development actions after state law limits local post‑storm rules

City approves Fish Camp Road self‑storage site plan with waivers after resident objections

County trails gain SunTrail eligibility; local leaders push feasibility study to compete for funding