Public raises concerns about advisory appointments; staff outlines application process

Brandon Moore of 01st Street North urged greater transparency in the advisory‑board appointment process, saying he was surprised that a long‑time Florence Villa business owner was overlooked for an advisory seat and that recent appointments may not reflect downtown business representation. "I think that the Florence Veil CRA is gonna benefit greatly from mister Pittman's, appointment," Moore said, adding that the selection raised questions about how candidates are chosen and what qualifications are required.

Staff responded that applicants are solicited through the city clerk after a vacancy is advertised for two consecutive weeks, that staff reviews new and on‑file applications, conducts interviews, and then makes recommendations to the board. Staff said the downtown advisory roster will be full after the appointment made that evening but that one seat remains open following Joe Holman's resignation when he became a city manager in Haines City; that open seat is being advertised. A board member asked staff to provide scoring or a written explanation of the recommendation process to improve transparency.