Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy R. Bell was recognized by the Florida League of Cities with the 2016 “Home Rule Hero” Award at a ceremony in May.
Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and non-elected, who consistently respond to the League’s requests to reach out to members of the Florida Legislature and help give a local perspective to larger issues.
“These municipal officials are some of the Florida League of Cities biggest advocates for municipal issues, always willing and ready to contact legislators and travel to Tallahassee to be sure a local voice is heard on issues that are important to cities,” said Florida League of Cities legislative director Scott Dudley. “It is clear that these public servants have devoted themselves to Florida’s citizens and will remain loyal to their cities and state far into the future.”
A resident of what is now Cutler Bay for more than 35 years, Mayor Bell has served on the town council since incorporation in 2006. The award presentation stated that Mayor Bell has shown her dedication and commitment to the town by not only serving as a council member but also, as a liaison to several citizen advisory committees as well as fighting to acquire funding and acreage to increase the town’s park space.
Mayor Bell was pleased to receive the award.
“I thank Mr. Dudley and the League of Cities for continually supporting home rule and giving us a strong voice in Tallahassee through their advocacy,” Bell said. “I was greatly honored to receive this award. Working together, cities are much more effective than when we stand alone.”
Mayor Bell was praised for her devotion to the town’s issues, willingness to contact and pursue state legislators in order to ensure that residents’ concerns are being heard, continuing to advance the League’s legislative agenda and help protect the home rule powers of Florida’s cities during the 2016 legislative session. She also testified before a Florida Senate subcommittee regarding the state’s public records laws.
