Hardee County EDA: officers elected, bank-signature resolution, financials and a slate of infrastructure updates approved

The Hardee County Economic Development Authority on Feb. 11 conducted routine business including officer elections, financial approvals and a series of project updates.

Elections and administrative actions Chair nominations resulted in the election of Rose Malindy as chair and Noe Flores as vice chair for the 2025–2026 board year. The board also approved EDA Resolution 2025-01 to update authorized bank signatures to reflect the new chair and vice chair.

Financial approvals Victoria Rogers, the clerk and comptroller, presented unadjusted monthly financial statements for September 30, October 31, November 30, December 31, 2024 and January 31, 2025 and explained the September figures remain unadjusted pending auditor review. The board unanimously approved the unadjusted financial statements and later approved budget amendment form BA2505 for Fund 1 and Fund 4 to true up 2024 year-end balances; staff said the adjustments will post in February. The board also approved and ratified vouchers payable dated Oct. 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2024 totaling $825,317.40 with 13 checks issued.

Project updates and approvals (summary) - Recreation complex (Milgerton Doyle Carlton Hardy Rec Complex): The board heard an update from Meredith Durastani of the Hardee County School District about hurricane damage repairs, shade-cover procedures and remaining pool-area work; the board accepted the update. - Riverview Heights Water Main Project: Staff reported a task order has been signed with the consulting engineer and survey/utility marking work has begun; the board approved the update (design-only grant was clarified). - Herb Bridal Road Loop project: Staff reported negotiations with property owners and reuse-water-line clearance; the board approved the update. - Roadway Pavement Management Plan: Assistant County Manager Christopher Sempron reported the consultant’s final report was accepted and will inform the five-year CIP; the board approved the final report. - Pioneer Park Lift Station and Public Works Administration Building: Staff reported work remaining and minor change orders; both project updates were approved and staff said the changes fall within grant coverage. - Hardee Parks Infrastructure: The board approved revised deliverables shifting some work toward Pioneer Park (see separate article). - Huachula Hills Water & Wastewater Phase 7: Staff reported prior bids were high; the project team will seek additional funding, including water-quality improvement grants, and staff said they will bring an extension request back to the board later; the board approved the update as presented. - Peach River Oaks and Oak Street Park Tennis Courts: Peach River Oaks project closeout was reported (funds fully expended) and Oak Street Park construction continues; the board accepted those updates.

Votes at a glance - Elect Rose Malindy as chair: approved unanimously. - Elect Noe Flores as vice chair: approved unanimously. - EDA Resolution 2025-01 (bank signatures): motion approved unanimously (mover: Miss Minshew; second: Miss Doubleday). - Approve unadjusted monthly financials (multiple months): approved unanimously. - Budget amendment BA2505 (fund 1 and fund 4): approved unanimously. - Ratify vouchers totaling $825,317.40 (Oct. 1–Dec. 31, 2024; 13 checks): approved unanimously (mover: Commissioner Flores; second: Commissioner Miller). - Multiple project updates listed above: each update was approved unanimously after presentations or staff updates.

The board scheduled its next meeting for March 25 at 8:30 a.m. and staff said they will circulate grant guidelines, a sample grant agreement and a Special Act amendment to refresh the board on procedures and timelines.