PANAMA CITY — State Rep. Philip Wayne “Griff” Griffitts and Sen. Jay Trumbull listened to community members and local elected officials during a legislative delegation meeting Monday.
Griffitts represents District 6 in the Florida House, which encompasses all of Bay County. Trumbull represents District 2 in the Florida Senate, which covers all or part of Bay, Walton, Washington, Okaloosa, Holmes, Jackson and Calhoun counties.
Community members brought up a wide-ranging slate of issues at the meeting. Here’s a look:
Educational issues
Mark McQueen, the Bay District Schools superintendent, commended the representatives for supporting the district, and added that some items they supported contributed to better conditions for teachers.
McQueen asked that the lawmakers support future school-safety efforts and also that they repeal mandated school start times. He said the mandated start times could require the district to purchase more busses and hire more drivers.
McQueen also asked that they consider more funding for English Language Learners (students who speak English as a second language), and Exceptional Student Education (students with disabilities).
Alexis Underwood from the Association of Bay County Educators proposed a new way to retain teaching talent at underperforming schools.
A Mom’s For Liberty spokesperson asked that representatives consider further measures toward parental-oversight in children’s education.
Glen McDonald, president of Gulf Coast State College, touted some of the institution’s achievements. Among them: the college was one of a handful in Florida to see a growing student population.
Business interests
Joe Holt from the Bay County Chamber of Commerce presented issues affecting Bay County businesses. He was concerned with affordable childcare constraining the workforce. The childcare woes were later echoed by the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida. Holt asked that legislators widen eligibility for a state childcare subsidy program.
He shared a similar sentiment regarding insurance issues in the state.
Chuck Sowers from the Central Panhandle Association of Realtors spoke in favor of an initiative to repeal the business rent tax, and also asked that representatives support the continuation of the Hometown Heroes program in 2025.
Other concerns
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Lynn Haven Mayor Jesse Nelson and city officials asked the lawmakers for help funding projects in the city, among them a feasibility study to connect to Bay County wastewater, some post-hurricane infrastructure repairs and improvements to the city’s sports facilities.
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Two attendees spoke on constitutional issues, with one asking lawmakers to consider creating a “constitutional enforcement committee.”
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Lynn Cherry asked representatives to consider the Florida Wildlife Corridor and Florida State Parks in future measures.
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Community members expressed some concern about elections and voting, with one representative from Veterans for All Voters discussing issues with how primary voting is conducted in Florida.
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Another community member had an issue with how Tourist Development Council funding is spent, and recommended a portion go toward safety.
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A Panama City Symphony representative asked that funding be restored to arts and culture programs in Florida, and highlighted benefits that the arts bring to Bay County.
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Others in attendance expressed concern with housing prices and insurance. One woman described her experience battling for years with insurance to get claims paid after Hurricane Michael damaged her home, saying she paid out of pocket for the repairs.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Local legislators hear from Bay County residents and officials