The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Mayor Grover C. Robinson, IV and City Administrator Keith Wilkins with 2021 Home Rule Hero Awards for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2021 Legislative Session. Mayor Robinson and Administrator Wilkins worked tirelessly throughout session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s legislative agenda.
“These local officials went above and beyond during the 2021 Legislative Session,†said FLC Director of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “They made an extraordinary effort, were actively engaged and highly effective in their advocacy efforts. Even with all the various challenges present this year due to the pandemic, they stepped up. They engaged with legislators, shared their stories and made their voices heard, and it made a difference. On behalf of the League and its legislative team, it’s my sincere honor to recognize this year’s award recipients and thank them for their service.â€
Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.
“It is truly an honor to receive this award, and I’d like to thank the Florida League of Cities for recognizing the importance of maintaining local control over the issues that matter most to our local residents,” Mayor Robinson said. “I have been a longtime advocate for home rule throughout my time in political service, whether it was as an Escambia County Commissioner or as the Mayor of Pensacola, and I will continue to fight for home rule as long as I am in public service.”
“I’d like to express my sincere appreciation to the Florida League of Cities for this honor, and for their continued efforts to support local jurisdictions like ours throughout the state of Florida,” City Administrator Keith Wilkins said. “We believe that government can best support and respond to our constituents at the local level, and we have been working hard to maintain local control here in the City of Pensacola.”