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Residents ask for review after Business Boost 2 awards; mayor and recipient defend program
Summary
Speakers at the public-comment period called for disclosure and independent review of the Business Boost 2 awards, alleging potential conflicts of interest involving the mayor and people connected to her; a recipient and the mayor disputed those claims and said the awards were ARPA pandemic pass-through funds handled by staff.
At the meeting’s public-comment period, Lillian Evans (speaker 15) urged the commission to open a full disclosure and independent review of the Business Boost 2 awards, saying public records indicate about $55,000 was paid to the mayor personally and that businesses connected to the mayor’s family and political allies also received funding.
Evans cited Florida ethics law generally and said the pattern created an appearance of conflict that undermines public trust. "When elected official helps shape, approve, and influence a program and…
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