Tavares council approves downtown variance, airport planning grant, sheriff report‑writing contract and park restroom grant

The Tavares City Council on May 7 voted on several consent and action items, approving a mix of land‑use, grant and contract matters. Key actions included a variance to allow zero lot‑line building setbacks at 122 East Main Street in the downtown Heritage Square project; acceptance of an FDOT aviation grant for a master‑plan update at the Tavares Seaplane Base; a contract for report‑writing services with the Lake County Sheriff's Office; approval to apply for CDBG funds to build a restroom at Golden Triangle Regional Park East Campus; adoption of the FY2026 budget calendar; and a directive that the city administrator may participate in the Lake100 county‑cities study without committing city funds.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 2025‑05 (variance) — Approved. Council approved a variance to reduce side and rear yard setbacks at 122 East Main Street (Heritage Square) to permit mixed‑use buildings with zero or reduced setbacks consistent with the downtown character. Planning & Zoning had unanimously recommended approval.

- Resolution 2025‑06 (FDOT seaplane base grant) — Approved. Council accepted an FDOT aviation grant of $174,656 to update the Tavares Seaplane Base master plan and authorized use of $43,664 (20%) from FY25 general‑fund reserves as local match and authorized the city administrator to execute the grant agreement. Staff noted acceptance accelerates eligibility for future FDOT capital grants.

- Contract with Lake County Sheriff's Office (report writing service) — Approved. Council authorized contracting for report‑writing services to allow officers to call in reports and return to patrol; the service was quoted at $2,500 per month ($30,000 annually) and staff said salary‑savings will cover the remainder of this fiscal year.

- CDBG application for Golden Triangle Regional Park East Campus restroom — Approved. Council authorized applying for a competitive Lake County CDBG grant (staff indicated a $250,000 request) to construct a permanent restroom building adjacent to soccer fields and other recreation facilities; the city will manage the project if funded.

- FY2026 proposed budget calendar — Adopted. Council adopted the calendar for upcoming budget workshops and public hearings with the general fund presentation scheduled for July and hearings in September.

- Lake100 participation — Council approved allowing the city administrator to participate in the Lake100 county‑cities study; the motion as adopted specified no city funds would be committed by this action and any funding request would return to council for approval.

Each approved item was forwarded to staff for implementation steps as appropriate. The council handled the votes during the May 7 regular meeting and, where required by statute or ordinance, staff confirmed notice and process requirements had been met.